Little Lobbyists Statement: Protections under the Medical Deferred Action Program must be reinstated
Little Lobbyists strongly condemns the Administration's cruel and inhumane decision to terminate protections under the Medical Deferred Action program – a decision that, if left in place, will lead to the unnecessary deaths of vulnerable children and adults.
The United States has a proud history as the proverbial shining city on a hill, especially when it comes to expert medical care for complex and rare medical needs. Patients come here from around the world seeking our doctors’ expertise and medical technologies when they have nowhere else to turn. This program allows a very small number of patients with serious medical needs to remain legally in the U.S. in order to access life-saving treatment that is not available in their home country; these patients include children and adults with cancer, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, rare genetic syndromes and other catastrophic illnesses. In short, deportation of these individuals to their home country is tantamount to a death sentence.
We reject the scarcity argument that providing care for one group amounts to less care for another. In fact, in many cases, these patients are providing doctors with more opportunities to learn about rare syndromes and conditions, allowing the development of treatments that will help everyone – American citizens and non-citizens alike – with similar conditions now and in the future. The Medical Deferred Action Program is a reflection of our American values of compassion and ingenuity, as we use and grow our talents and expertise to help others.
As families who advocate for and with children who have complex medical needs and disabilities, we fight for all children. There is no such thing as other people’s children. The protections under the Medical Deferred Action Program must be reinstated, and we call on everyone to raise their voices to ensure the Administration does the right thing.
For more information:
https://www.irishcentral.com/news/deferred-medical-action-boston-irish
