The federal government appeared headed for a partial shutdown Friday as lawmakers could not reach agreement on President Donald Trump’s $5.7 billion request for a border wall.

Some federal agencies are already funded for fiscal year 2019, but funding for other agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will lapse if a measure is not passed by midnight Friday. In the event of a shutdown:

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the State Department would continue processing immigration benefit applications and visas, though delays would be likely. The Labor Department would continue its immigration functions, as the agency has already been funded for fiscal year 2019.
  • A number of immigration programs would be unavailable until they are reauthorized, including the E-Verify program, the Conrad 30 waiver for J-1 physicians, the Special Immigrant Religious Workers program, and the EB-5 regional center investor program.

BAL Analysis: BAL will continue following events in Washington, D.C., and will provide clients with an update on the outcome of negotiations. A detailed BAL FAQ on how a government shutdown would affect immigration programs is available here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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