Judge orders USCIS to restore SIJS protections
A federal judge ordered U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, to resume considering deferred action (deportation protection) and work permits for youths with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, after the Trump administration rescinded the 2022 program in June. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Eric Komitee requires USCIS to accept applications from new and existing SIJS designees while the lawsuit proceeds, affecting eligible immigrant youth nationwide, including in the Twin Cities.
đ Key Facts
- Judge Eric Komitee ordered USCIS to restore deferred action consideration for SIJS designees
- The SIJS deferred action program was rescinded by USCIS in June 2025
- Order requires USCIS to decide work permit requests for new applicants and those with existing deferred action