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Civil Rights Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Immigrant Medical Care Cases

BOSTON (AP) — Civil rights groups are suing President Donald Trump's administration over its decision to stop considering requests from immigrants seeking to remain in the country for medical treatment and other hardships.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and Lawyers for Civil Rights filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court Thursday challenging the Aug. 7 decision by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to end its "deferred action" program.

Related: State AGs Seek Answers On Immigrant Medical Care Cases

The program allows foreign nationals to work legally and receive health benefits for up to two years while they or their family members receive medical treatment.

Emails seeking comment were sent Thursday to USCIS.

Related: Immigrant Patient At Boston Children's Hospital Could Be Deported After Trump Administration Policy Change

The agency said Monday it will continue processing deferral requests that were pending as of Aug. 7 after doctors, immigration lawyers and civil rights groups objected.

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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