The US government has initiated a temporary shutdown due to the lack of agreement on a spending bill between the Republican party and the Democratic opposition. The duration of the shutdown is currently undefined. A memorandum was issued by the Executive Office of the President, directing executive departments and agencies to execute shutdown plans.
Passport services are expected to remain available. However, the range of services offered could be narrowed, with priority given to diplomatic visas and life-or-death emergencies depending on the length of the shutdown. Ports of entry are scheduled to remain open.
USCIS is expected to continue its operations, funded through collected fees rather than congressional appropriations. Some programs that depend on congressional funding could experience disruptions. The Department of Labor’s office of foreign labor certification will also remain open. This affects H-1B filings since employers will not be able to file new applications which require new LCAs.
ICE’s enforcement and removal operations are set to proceed, alongside the continued operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program offices.