Boston Globe via Getty Images BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 26: Mariela Sanchez of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, left, her son Jonathan Sanchez, 16, and husband Gary Sanchez prepare for questions from reporters after the press conference on termination of medical deferred action at the Irish International Immigrant Center at 1 State St. in Boston on Aug. 26, 2019. Mariela's son, Jonathan, 16, has cystic fibrosis.

BOSTON (AP) — Civil rights groups are suing President Donald Trump’s administration over its decision to stop considering requests from immigrants seeking to remain in the country for medical treatment and other hardships.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and Lawyers for Civil Rights filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court Thursday challenging the Aug. 7 decision by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to end its “deferred action” program.

The program allows foreign nationals to work legally and receive health benefits for up to two years while they or their family members receive medical treatment.

A USCIS spokeswoman says the agency doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

The agency announced Monday it will continue processing deferral requests that were pending as of Aug. 7 after doctors, immigration lawyers and civil rights groups objected.