Possible Government Shutdown Looming

Possible Government Shutdown Looming
September 24, 2015

The U.S. Congress is expected to be late in passing a budget for fiscal year 2016.  As a consequence, certain federal government operations may shut down on October 1, 2015.


Almost all USCIS functions will carry on because USCIS is funded through user fees. However, DOL is government funded and its functions will be interrupted in the event of a shutdown due to budgetary reasons.  If the government shuts down, all but "essential" government employees will be furloughed and not allowed to work, with the expected impact being:


USCIS: Will continue to operate, except for E-Verify.


DOL: Will cease accepting and processing all applications (i.e., LCAs and PERMs cannot be filed).


DOS:  Visa processing is expected to continue at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.


CBP:  Inspection and law enforcement are considered "essential personnel," so our borders will remain open.


There is an effort to pass a short-term spending bill, which would reauthorize the EB-5 regional center program, E-Verify, Religious Worker Visa Program, and Conrad State 30 program until December 11, 2005.  However, the bill is not expected to pass due its restrictions on Planned Parenthood funding.  In 2013, the government shutdown lasted 16 days.