Deferred Action is a federal government program that provides temporary protection from deportation. Deferred Action also allows you to apply for a Social Security number, work authorization, and special permission to allow travel to and from the United States.

Deferred Action is not a permanent immigration status. It is not a green card or a path to citizenship. People who get Deferred Action cannot apply for federally funded public benefits, such as food stamps, housing subsidies, Affordable Care Act health insurance premium subsidies, or student financial aid.