Deferred Action for Workers: What You Need to Know

Artistic drawing of an immigrant worker in front of a globe

Workers who take a stand for justice at work may now be able to get temporary status protections by exercising their rights on the job—protections when you speak up, BECAUSE you speak up.

Who Is Eligible?

Workers become eligible when we take action as a group to help to enforce our labor laws. You may be eligible for deferred action if you and your co-workers are forming a union, bargaining a contract, filing a wage theft or safety claim, demanding fair and equal treatment, or otherwise taking collective action to address workplace issues.

What Are the Benefits?

Deferred action can provide undocumented workers and guest workers with work permits, Social Security numbers and protection from deportation for at least two years. Since eligibility is triggered when workers report a violation or organize to resolve a labor dispute, deferred action can improve working conditions and hold employers accountable for abusive practices.

What Are the Risks?

There is always a risk when workers are organizing to improve our working conditions, but the best way to face those risks is by building power together. Deferred action will prevent the boss from using immigration threats to exploit workers, so we can keep fighting together for better wages, safer working conditions and permanent protections for immigrant workers.

Workers Do Not Fight Alone!

Your union will be there to help you every step of the way! QUESTIONS? Talk to your union rep or email [email protected].