The US government faces a temporary shutdown due to the failure of President Donald Trump’s Republican party and the Opposition Democrats to agree on a spending bill. The shutdown has commenced, and its duration remains uncertain. A memorandum from Russel T Vought, director of the Executive Office of the President, was sent to heads of executive departments and agencies on September 30, instructing them to execute shutdown plans. The shutdown’s effects on immigration processes are detailed below.
Passport operations are expected to remain open; however, depending on the shutdown’s length, services may be limited to diplomatic visas and life-or-death emergencies. Ports of entry will continue to operate.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to function as it is primarily funded by fees collected, not congressional appropriations. Some programs reliant on congressional funding may be affected. The Department of Labor’s office of foreign labor certification will also continue operations. Employers will be unable to file new H-1B applications that require fresh Labor Condition Applications (LCAs).
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement and removal operations will proceed. Additionally, Student and Exchange Visitor Program offices will remain open.
