With discussions surrounding a potential government shutdown on March 14th, individuals should monitor the possible effects of this event on government agencies related to immigration. Below is a broad overview of a few government agencies and the effects they may experience in the event of a government shutdown. However, this list provides general information that may change; if you believe you may be impacted by a government shutdown, please refer to the respective agency’s website to learn more.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should be operational regardless of whether the government shuts down, as it is fee-funded. Since USCIS is not funded through taxpayers but through fees related to immigration services, a government shut down should not impact this agency. It is important to note, however, that there are a few exceptions, including the following:
– Non-minister religious workers
– EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program
– E-verify
– Conrad 30 J-1 doctors
** USCIS has confirmed that the H-1B Cap Registration System and Pay.gov will still be operational in the event of a government shutdown.
The Department of State should not be impacted by a government shutdown, given that it is also fee funded. While DOS may not be impacted, there could be changes within consulates depending on staffing changes resulting from the shutdown.
U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will close in the event of a government shutdown.
Individuals with immigration court cases should go to the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) website for updates surrounding EOIR’s Immigration Court Operational Status.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will remain operational as an “essential” agency but be aware that while ports of entry may be open, application filings could be affected.
Congressional Offices may experience varied effects in the event of a government shutdown. Please consult your respective office to learn more about how you may be impacted.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will likely remain operational, as well as the ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SVEP). Regardless of a government shutdown, individuals who are in custody should still be accessible to their attorneys.
The Department of Homeland Security Office of the CIS Ombudsman may likely close during a government shutdown.
We will keep you posted. If you have any questions regarding the potential government shutdown, please contact us.