Government Shutdown Still Possible
Less than 24 hours remain until federal funding runs out, and the Senate is still uncertain about the passage of H.R. 195, a House short-term spending bill which includes government funding through February 16. The Senate failed to take a key vote last night and is convening this morning, Friday, January 19. The deadline to head off a government shutdown is midnight tonight. Negotiations and votes are expected to continue throughout the day.
Impact of a Shutdown on Immigration:
USCIS: USCIS is a fee-funded agency, except for E-verify. Only E-verify will shut down. USCIS will continue to accept applications.
DOS: Visa and passport operations are fee-funded. No immediate impact is expected, but visa appointments may be canceled or limited if the shutdown extends over a longer period.
CBP: Inspection and law enforcement personnel are considered “essential.” Ports of entry will be open.
ICE: ICE enforcement and removal operations will continue.
DOL: The OFLC will stop processing all applications. This includes LCAs, PWDs and PERM applications. iCERT and PERM websites will not be accessible.
EIG is closely monitoring the situation and will provide additional updates as new information becomes available.