After initially sending out letters canceling noncitizen recipients’ deferred action status based on medical reasons, and ordering them to leave the country, and then allowing pending applications to continue but not accepting new applications, the Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will resume considering such applications on a case-by-case basis. The policy garnered significant media attention, particularly relating to children, and was the subject of a recent congressional hearing.

According to reports, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan made the decision, which followed dramatic testimony at a hearing before the House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee from several affected immigrants who said they expected to die without the treatment they can get only in the United States.

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