Deferred Action Request in Torrance: Temporary Protection from Deportation
Understanding prosecutorial discretion and deferred action options
Quick Answer
Deferred action is a form of prosecutorial discretion that allows USCIS to temporarily postpone removal proceedings against individuals, providing protection from deportation and potential work authorization.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For immigrants in Torrance facing potential deportation but with compelling circumstances, deferred action may provide temporary relief. SoCal Immigration Services helps families understand and pursue deferred action options with compassionate, Arabic-speaking support.
What is Deferred Action?
Key characteristics:
• Temporary relief, not permanent status
• Does NOT provide lawful immigration status
• May qualify you for work authorization
• Can be renewed but is not guaranteed
• Subject to revocation at any time
Types of Deferred Action
| Type | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| DACA | Childhood arrivals program | Came before age 16, specific requirements |
| Prosecutorial Discretion | Case-by-case determination | Compelling circumstances |
| Medical Deferred Action | For serious medical conditions | Life-threatening illness requiring U.S. treatment |
| Military-Related | For military families | Parole in place, deferred action |
| Pending Application | While awaiting decision | Valid pending application (U visa, VAWA, etc.) |
Who May Qualify for Deferred Action?
- •Serious medical conditions requiring ongoing U.S. treatment
- •Primary caregiver for U.S. citizen family member
- •Long-term presence in the United States
- •Strong community ties and contributions
- •Military service or family member serving
- •Victim of crime with pending U visa
- •No criminal history or only minor violations
- •Children or elderly family members dependent on you
Deferred Action vs. Other Relief
| Feature | Deferred Action | TPS | Asylum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status Granted | No status (only deferral) | Temporary status | Lawful status |
| Work Authorization | Possible if granted | Yes | Yes, after filing |
| Travel | Not usually permitted | With advance parole | With refugee travel doc |
| Path to Green Card | No direct path | No direct path | Yes, after 1 year |
| Duration | Usually 2 years | 18 months typically | Indefinite if granted |
How to Request Deferred Action
- 1Assess Eligibility
Determine if you have compelling circumstances for discretionary relief
- 2Gather Evidence
Compile documentation supporting your request (medical records, ties, etc.)
- 3Prepare Request
Write detailed letter explaining your situation and circumstances
- 4Submit to USCIS
Send request to appropriate USCIS office or director
- 5Wait for Decision
USCIS reviews and decides whether to exercise discretion
- 6If Approved, Apply for EAD
File Form I-765 for work authorization
Medical Deferred Action
• Must have life-threatening medical condition
• Treatment must be unavailable in home country
• Usually requires letters from treating physicians
• May include conditions like cancer, dialysis needs, HIV treatment
• Can include caregivers of U.S. citizen patients
• Recent policy changes have affected this program
Evidence for Deferred Action Request
- •Detailed personal statement explaining your circumstances
- •Medical records and physician letters (for medical cases)
- •Evidence of family ties (birth certificates, marriage certificates)
- •Proof of community involvement (church, volunteer work)
- •Tax returns showing economic contributions
- •Letters of support from community members
- •School records showing children's enrollment
- •Employment history and letters from employers
Work Authorization with Deferred Action
• You may request work authorization using Form I-765
• Category (c)(14) for deferred action recipients
• Filing fee applies (currently $410)
• EAD typically valid for 2 years
• Must renew if deferred action is extended
• Work authorization is not automatic with deferred action
Limitations of Deferred Action
- •Does not provide lawful immigration status
- •Cannot be used to obtain a green card directly
- •Can be terminated at any time
- •Does not forgive unlawful presence
- •Generally cannot travel internationally
- •Not a defense against all removal actions
- •Subject to policy changes by administration
If Deferred Action is Denied
• There is no formal appeal process
• You can request reconsideration with new evidence
• Explore other forms of immigration relief
• Consider consulting with an immigration attorney
• Continue to explore options as circumstances change
• New evidence or changed circumstances may warrant new request
Torrance Deferred Action Services
- •Deferred action eligibility assessment
- •Request letter preparation and submission
- •Evidence gathering and organization
- •Medical documentation coordination
- •Work authorization applications
- •Arabic and English speaking support
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does deferred action last?
A: Deferred action is typically granted for 2 years, but the period can vary. It can be renewed, but renewal is not guaranteed and depends on continued favorable circumstances.
Q:Can I get a green card through deferred action?
A: No, deferred action does not provide a direct path to a green card. It's temporary relief, not a change of status. You would need to qualify through another category (family, employment, etc.).
Q:Will deferred action protect me from deportation?
A: While you have deferred action, the government agrees not to pursue removal. However, this can be revoked at any time, and it doesn't provide complete protection in all circumstances.
Q:Can I travel with deferred action?
A: Generally, you cannot travel internationally with deferred action. Leaving the U.S. without advance parole would likely terminate your deferred action status.
Q:Is DACA the same as deferred action?
A: DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a specific type of deferred action with defined eligibility criteria. General deferred action is case-by-case based on individual circumstances.
Q:How long does it take to get a decision?
A: There's no set timeline for deferred action decisions. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and can take several months to over a year depending on the complexity and USCIS workload.
Need Deferred Action Help in Torrance?
If you have compelling circumstances that may qualify for deferred action, let our team evaluate your situation and help you pursue this option.
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