As of December 19, 2024, a government shutdown appears increasingly likely. While the situation remains fluid, here’s what you need to know about how immigration-related services may be impacted:
Key Agency Updates
✅ USCIS: Most services, including petition and application processing, will continue as USCIS is fee-funded. However, programs like E-Verify, non-minister religious worker visas, and certain J-1 doctor programs may be temporarily suspended. Employers can continue using the new remote I-9 verification process, even if E-Verify is unavailable.
✅ Department of State (DOS): Visa and passport services should generally remain operational as they are fee-funded. However, if funds run low at specific consulates, services may be limited to emergency cases or diplomatic visas.
✅ Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Ports of entry will remain open, and inspections will proceed as usual. However, processing of certain applications at the border may face delays.
✅ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Detained dockets will continue in immigration courts, while non-detained cases will likely be rescheduled. Student visa-related services through SEVP should remain unaffected.
✅ Department of Labor (DOL): Labor certifications, PERM, and LCA filings will hault. OFLC’s systems will go offline during a shutdown.
✅ EOIR (Immigration Courts): Detained docket hearings will proceed, but non-detained cases will likely be reset. Filing via ECAS will still be possible, though submissions may not be processed until funding resumes.
At Apfel Law Group, we’re proactively monitoring the situation and will directly reach out to clients impacted by the shutdown. We are here to help navigate any interruptions and ensure your immigration matters continue moving forward as smoothly as possible.
If you have specific questions or concerns about how this may affect your case, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Stay tuned for updates, and remember—our team is committed to supporting you through any uncertainties.
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