Deferred action is defined as a discretionary determination to defer a deportation of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion.

Deferred action can be granted by USCIS or an immigration judge. If you receive deferred action you will not be put in removal proceedings or deported. This status does not give you lawful status or a path to permanent residence or citizenship. You are considered to be lawfully present only during the period you have deferred action. You are allowed to work but your status can be terminated at any time at the immigration agency’s discretion.