On November 19, 2025, U.S. District Judge Eric Komitee ordered United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reinstate its policy under which applicants for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) are automatically considered for Deferred Action. Judge Komitee also ordered that USCIS resume considering employment authorization applications for SIJS Deferred Action recipients.
This ruling comes amid an ongoing lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, which ended the automatic consideration of Deferred Action for SIJS applicants informally in April 2025, and formally in June 2025. Before April 2025, most SIJS recipients received Deferred Action, which provided protection from deportation and eligibility for work authorization.
Judge Komitee’s order is a victory for SIJS applicants, who would have faced years of uncertainty if they received an SIJS grant. Prior to this order, SIJS recipients would have no legal means to work and would be vulnerable to deportation while waiting for a green card to become available. SIJS recipients are among the most vulnerable undocumented immigrants, having been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. Restoring these protections is a critical step to assuring their safety and stability in the United States.
If you are unsure how this ruling might impact your case, the experienced attorneys at Murray Osorio PLLC are here to help. Contact us at 800-929-7142 or online to schedule a consultation today.