Statement attributable to:
Jacqueline W. Fincher, MD, MACP
President, American College of Physicians
Washington, DC (June 18, 2020) — The American College of Physicians (ACP) is glad to see today’s U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to block the cancellation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This immigration policy protects undocumented individuals that were brought to the U.S. as children from being deported.
There are many people protected under the DACA program -- including medical students and residents that care for America’s patients. Protecting this program ensures access to proper treatment for a population that is increasingly becoming more diverse. DACA is a vital part of ensuring the overall good health of the public. That is why ACP joined with the Association of American Medical Colleges and others last year in a brief filed in this case about the importance of the protections of the DACA program to physicians and other health care workers.
While ACP is pleased by the Supreme Court decision to support Dreamers by blocking a DACA rescission, the fight must continue for this vital program. In order to ensure that the Dreamers continue to be protected, the Senate must pass the Dream and Promise Act. This is how to ensure permanent protection for the current and future Dreamers of America.
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About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 159,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Contact: Taneishia Bundy, (202) 261-4523, tbundy@acponline.org