May I travel outside of the United States before USCIS has determined whether to defer action in my case?

No. After August 15, 2012, if you travel outside of the U.S., you are disqualified from this program. If USCIS defers action in your case, you can travel outside the U.S. only if you apply and receive advance parole. Any travel outside of the U.S. before August 15, 2012, will be assessed by to determine if it qualifies as brief, casual and innocent (see above).

Beware: If you are in unlawful status and/or are currently in removal proceedings, and you leave the U.S. without advance parole, you will be subject to any applicable grounds of inadmissibility if you seek to return. Meaning you will likely not be admitted into the U.S.

Travel Guidelines

Travel Dates	Type of Travel	Does it Affect Continuous Residence
Before August 15, 2012	brief casual innocent	No
	For an extended time Because of an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal To participate in criminal activity	Yes
After August 15, 2012 and before you have requested deferred action	Any	Yes Yes. You cannot travel while your request is under review. You cannot apply for advance parole unless and until DHS has determined whether to defer action in your case.
After August 15, 2012 and after you have requested deferred action	Any