While Others Wait, One Teen In Boston Is Granted Medical Deferred Action

Sixteen-year-old Jonathan, who gets treatment for cystic fibrosis at Boston Children’s Hospital, with his mother Mariela Sanchez. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Months after federal immigration officials reinstated deferred action for medical cases, a family in Boston who feared they’d be removed from the U.S. — even as their son continued to need life-saving treatments — now has clarity.

Originally from Honduras, the Sanchez family came to Boston three years ago seeking proper health care for their 16-year-old son, Jonathan, who has cystic fibrosis. About three weeks ago, Jonathan, his mother and father received news that the government had approved their application for so-called medical deferred action.

It’s a process that allows some non-citizens to stay in the U.S. to receive life-saving medical treatment that’s not available in their home country. The Sanchez family was just one of dozens of families and individuals who still are awaiting government responses since WBUR uncovered in August that the process for seriously ill migrants was ended.

Read the rest of the story at WBUR’s website.