January 19, 2023

DHS Announces Streamlined Deferred Action Request Process for Noncitizen Participants in Labor Investigations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a streamlined, expedited process for considering deferred action requests from noncitizen workers who are victims of, or witnesses to, labor violations. The streamlined process is effective immediately.  

Deferred action may be granted by DHS to temporarily defer deportation proceedings against a noncitizen. A noncitizen granted deferred action is considered lawfully present in the United States while the deferred action is in effect and may be eligible for employment authorization. If deferred action is approved, it may be granted for a period of up to two years, and longer if subsequent renewal requests are approved. 

Other changes include a website single intake point for all reports to submit requests to be processed on a case-by-case basis.  

More information, including an FAQ page, is available here on the DHS website.