SIJS Update: Deferred Action Policy Change – What Immigrant Youth Need to Know

Posted on June 10, 2025
Tags: attorney immigration, immigration lawyer, immigration attorney US, visas lawyers, lawyer of immigration, lawyer, attorneys

⚠️ Major Policy Update from USCIS: No More Automatic Deferred Action for SIJS Recipients

On June 6, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a critical change in its policy for individuals with approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petitions.

This new guidance officially ends the automatic consideration of deferred action — a form of deportation protection — for SIJS recipients who are waiting to apply for a green card due to visa backlogs.

🔍 What Has Changed?

1. No More Automatic Deferred Action

USCIS will no longer automatically grant deferred action to children with approved SIJS petitions who cannot currently apply for a green card because of visa unavailability. This is a significant shift from prior guidance under the 2022 policy.

2. No New Work Permits Based on Deferred Action Alone

USCIS will not accept Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) under category (c)(14) based solely on an SIJS classification. This means that recipients can no longer rely on deferred action to obtain a work permit unless they qualify under another legal basis.

3. Existing Protections Will Continue (For Now)

Those who already have deferred action and valid work permits will generally retain those protections until expiration. However, USCIS retains the discretion to terminate these protections at any time.

4. Policy Applies Immediately

This policy applies to all SIJS recipients, regardless of whether their status was granted before, on, or after June 6, 2025, unless deferred action has already been granted and is still valid.

📌 What This Means for You

If you are a SIJS recipient and are still waiting for a visa number to become available:

• You will not automatically receive deportation protection.

• You may not be eligible to apply for a work permit unless you qualify under another immigration benefit.

• If you currently hold deferred action or a valid work permit, it's crucial to stay informed of your expiration date and consult an experienced immigration attorney.

This sudden policy shift could leave many immigrant youths without protection or income as they wait for their green card opportunity. It represents a significant rollback of the protections previously provided by USCIS.

👩‍⚖️ Speak with an Immigration Attorney Today

This update underscores the importance of working with a qualified immigration attorney who understands the changing landscape of U.S. immigration law. Whether you're dealing with SIJS, green card delays, or other challenges, the right attorney immigration support can make all the difference.

If you or someone you know is affected by this SIJS policy change, please reach out for legal assistance:

📞 Call: +1 (929) 330-6462
📧 Email: info@attorneypema.com
🌐 Website: www.attorneypema.com

Let The Law Office of Pema Lhamu Bhutia and our experienced immigration lawyers and visas lawyers guide you through your legal options and help protect your rights.