The Government Shutdown's Impact On Immigration

On January 20, 2018, the federal government entered into a partial shutdown following Congress's failure to reach an agreement to continue funding the federal government. Certain federal agencies that rely solely on government funding will not be able to provide most services. Agencies that receive funding from fees or other government sources are expected to remain open, but are expected to experience service delays. Immigration processes are expected to be impacted by the shutdown, as summarized below.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

The U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and its worldwide locations are likely to remain open. USCIS is funded in significant part by filing fees from users, and many of its activities are deemed "exempt" from closure during a shutdown. According to USCIS's most recent government shutdown contingency plans, of USCIS's 17,120 employees, an estimated 16,781 will continue to work during a lapse in appropriations.