AMA urges Congress to take action to retain DACA program protections

CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) sent the following letter to Congress today urging prompt action to ensure that individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status are able to remain in the United States.

“President Trump’s recent announcement to end the DACA program in six months fails to recognize the enormous contributions of hundreds of thousands of individuals who are living, working, and providing vital services in the United States, including health care services,” wrote AMA CEO and Executive Vice President James L. Madara, M.D. “We particularly are concerned that this reversal in policy could have severe consequences for many in the health care workforce, impacting patients and our nation’s health care system. Accordingly, we urge Congress to act quickly to ensure that individuals with DACA status are able to remain in the United States.”