On December 14, 2023, the city of Philadelphia became the first state to illegalize medical deportation under Bill 230649. Medical deportation is a practice in which hospitals assist in the deportation of noncitizen patients with long-term healthcare needs, without the patient’s consent. Hospitals under this practice may use private charters to assist in deportation to the patient’s country of origin.
Medical deportation not only goes against the patient’s wishes but also can pose a threat to their health. Under the Philadelphia law, hospitals will be required to:
- Receive informed consent
- Ensure the minimization of health risks in the process
- Receive confirmation that the hospital in the patient’s country of origin has the capacity to intake the patient
- Report to health officials about the scale of the medical deportation practice
Those in violation of these terms can be fined or placed on probation by the Philadelphia Department of Health.
Deportation Defense Attorneys
While this legislation is a major win, there is still a long way to go. Unfortunately, many undocumented migrants are placed in vulnerable situations in which they may be forced to leave the only home they’ve known.
Our team of deportation defense attorneys avidly fights against injustices such as medical deportation to allow our clients to lawfully remain in the United States. For the past 40 years, Reeves Immigration Law Group has been at the forefront of protecting immigrant rights in our California community and beyond.
For those facing deportation, we encourage you to contact our deportation defense attorneys to discuss your legal options.
