USCIS Reopens Non-Military Deferred Action Cases That Were Pending on August 7, 2019

On September 2, 2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reopened non-military deferred action cases that had been pending on August 7, 2019 [PDF version]. On August 7, the USCIS had sent out letters informing requestors that it had stopped considering deferred action for detained non-military requestors. It stated that the individuals whose deferred action requests were denied on August 7 did not have removal orders pending and have not been targeted for removal.

The USCIS is not resuming consideration of non-military deferred action cases generally, noting that the new policy will allow USCIS employees to devote their resources to other types of legal immigration applications more efficiently. Its decision only extends to non-military deferred action cases that were pending on August 7.

Deferred action requests by military members and under DACA were not affected by the August 7 announcement. The USCIS continues to consider those types of deferred action requests.

Those seeking relief from the threat of removal or legal immigration status should consult with an experienced immigration attorney for case-specific guidance.