Frequently Asked Questions: Deferred Action for Certain Immigrant Youth

On June 15, 2012, President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would not deport certain DREAM Act–eligible undocumented youth. Under a directive from the secretary of DHS, these youth will be given a type of temporary permission to stay in the U.S. called “deferred action.” Deferred action will be valid for two years and may be renewed at the end of the two years. Individuals who receive deferred action may apply for and may obtain employment authorization. IMPORTANT: The federal government will not accept deferred action applications until August 15, 2012. If you apply now, your application will be rejected.