The US government services are approaching a temporary halt as funding for the US government has been cut off after President Donald Trump’s Republican party failed to agree with the Opposition democrats on a way forward on a spending bill. The Shutdown of the US Government has begun, and as of yet, there is no immediate clarity on the duration of the shutdown. Russel T Vought, director of the Executive Office of the President, on September 30, sent out a memorandum to heads of the executive departments and agencies. The memorandum stated that affected agencies should execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.
As per media reports and a fact sheet by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, here is how the immigration process will be affected by the shutdown, and how the key agencies that cater to immigration activities will be impacted.
Department of State ( DOS)
As per a report by The Times of India, passport operations will remain open; however, depending on how long the shutdown lasts, work might become limited to diplomatic visas and life or death emergencies, as stated by AILA. The report further states that ports will remain open as well
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Uscis will remain open as it does not rely on Congress for its day-to-day functions and funding, but on fees collected by itself. The few programs that are funded by Congress may be impacted by a government shutdown, stated AILA. Beyond these DOL’s office of foreign labour certification will operate as well during the government shutdown. Labour condition applications are required for H-1 B filings – this means that employers cannot file a new H-1 B application that requires a fresh LCA.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
According to AILA, ICE enforcement and removal operations will continue to function. And beyond that, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program offices will remain open as well.
Also Read: India-Russia Ties In Focus: Putin Likely To Visit India On 5-6 December For Summit With PM Modi
