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Immigration Insight

Important changes in SIJS: What do they mean and how do they affect you?

June 11, 2025
  • Individual Immigration

Here’s what you need to know about the new USCIS changes.

On June 6, 2025, USCIS announced an important change affecting youth with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This new policy removes a key protection: automatic deferred action and work permit (EAD) while waiting for an available visa. If you or someone you know has SIJS, this change can directly impact your immigration security and your ability to work legally in the U.S.

🕰️How did SIJS and deferred action work before?

Since March 2022, USCIS granted deferred action and a work permit (EAD) to young people with SIJS who could not apply for immediate residency due to lack of available visa. This protection allowed them to:

  • Living and working legally in the U.S.
  • Avoid deportation risks while waiting for the visa.

🛑What changed with the new USCIS rule in June 2025?

With the June 6, 2025 update:

  • ❌ USCIS eliminated the automatic deferred action policy for young people with SIJS waiting for a visa.
  • ❌ No new work permits (EADs) will be issued under this category.
  • ⚠️ Only EADs already in force will be honored, until their expiration (although they can be revoked at any time).

📉What implications does this decision have for SIJS beneficiaries?

This change leaves thousands of young immigrants with:

  • No temporary immigration protection
  • No possibility to work legally while waiting for their turn for residency
  • Greater vulnerability to ICE and other agencies

🛡️What options do you have if you have SIJS?

Although the policy has changed, you can still protect yourself:

  • Consult with an immigration attorney.
  • Evaluate whether you qualify for other humanitarian benefits or exemptions.
  • Don’t let your current documents expire and stay informed.

📞Need help with your SIJS case?

At Eagan Immigration, we help young immigrants protect themselves, process their cases correctly, and access a secure future. If you have questions about your situation with SIJS, call us at 202-709-6439 to schedule a confidential evaluation.

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