This iteration is part of a larger effort to deliver a group and project state management system. For more details about the benefits of this effort, please check the description in the [parent epic](https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/17954). All work is behind the `groups_and_projects_deletion_in_progress_state` feature flag. ## Exit Criteria - [ ] Legacy state column deprecated - [ ] Database queries optimized for new system - [ ] Feature flag fully rolled out - [ ] Import/export compatibility - [ ] UI reflects new states - [ ] Documentation updated