DHS has stated that youths who get deferred action will be able to get work permits if they can show “economic necessity for employment.” ICIRR is urging DHS to be generous in considering “economic necessity” and in issuing work permits.
If you get a work permit, you should be able to get a social security number. In Illinois, the social security number should in turn enable you to apply for a driver’s license. (Laws and rules regarding driver’s licenses are different in other states, many of which require proof of lawful presence in the US.)
Such programs should allow youths who get a work permit and social security number through deferred action to participate. You should check with the specific program regarding its policies.
Unfortunately, deferred action does not put you on a path to a green card or citizenship. A change in immigration laws (such as the DREAM Act) would need to happen for such a path to open up.
Youths with deferred action are not eligible to enlist in the military. ICIRR is urging DHS to ask the Defense Department to allow these youths to enlist.
