Overview
- USCIS announced an immediate policy update that limits deferred action to extraordinary or urgent circumstances reviewed one case at a time.
- The agency said it will no longer grant deferred action to groups or categories unless a law or regulation requires it.
- The new standard applies to both pending and future requests, which means current cases will face tighter review and a lower chance of approval.
- USCIS emphasized that deferred action is temporary and discretionary, does not create legal status, and does not stop deportation without favorable prosecutorial discretion.
- People granted deferred action may apply for work permits based on economic need, while attorneys urge those affected to seek other legal avenues to avoid new gaps in jobs, housing, or schooling.