The U.S. denies changes to immigration laws following government shutdown

The U.S. government sought to dismiss rumors circulating on social media this Wednesday regarding supposed changes to immigration laws following the implementation of the federal government shutdown, the first in nearly seven years.

The official account Migración USA Oficial, dedicated to providing information on U.S. policies to curb illegal immigration, posted a message on X updating the situation following the closure of the administration.

"There are no changes to United States immigration laws or the enforcement of border laws. Any rumor that a government shutdown in the U.S. will allow illegal immigrants to enter the United States is false," he stated.

"Border security and law enforcement efforts remain strict, and crossing the border without authorization continues to be a crime," he added.

At the same time, organizations affected by the lack of funding announced immediate adjustments to their information policy.

The Del Río sector of the Border Patrol in Texas warned that its account will not be actively managed during the budget suspension: "We will not respond or update until funding is approved," it stated.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also announced that it will stop updating its networks during the shutdown, except for critical platforms aimed at protecting lives and property, and suggested that the public visit the website weather.gov for essential weather information.

A political paralysis that affects millions

The government shutdown began at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, after Congress failed to pass a temporary budget to keep the administration running.

The estrangement between Republicans and Democrats revolves around health subsidies and spending cuts driven by President Donald Trump during his second term.

Trump, far from seeking consensus, intensified the confrontation with a mocking video against his rivals and a blunt statement: "They lost the elections by a landslide and they don't change."

The conflict threatens to have a profound impact.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the White House has warned that not only will there be unpaid job suspensions, as in previous shutdowns, but permanent layoffs may also be implemented.

Trump himself suggested it: "We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, bad, and irreversible for them [the Democrats], like leaving a large number of people unemployed."

Essential services and partial shutdown

Although the Border Patrol, air traffic controllers, postal service, and armed forces will continue to operate, they will do so with personnel who will not be paid until further notice.

In contrast, sectors such as federally funded preschool education, student loans, food inspections, food assistance programs, and national parks are already experiencing the immediate effects of the paralysis.

Museums of the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Zoo, have closed their doors.

The plans for hiring and training new air traffic controllers have also been suspended, which could have implications for air traffic.

In the area of public health, the FDA warned that it will limit itself to responding to emergencies, reducing its preventive efforts against foodborne illnesses.

While Medicare payments, Social Security, and veteran benefits continue through independent sources, their administration could slow down, particularly affecting the most vulnerable communities.

The political background

For analysts, the shutdown is not just a struggle over numbers, but a clash between two irreconcilable visions of governance: the Democrats seek to protect social and healthcare programs, while Trump and the Republicans aim to shrink the government and force concessions.

"We will not support a Republican spending bill that continues to undermine the healthcare of ordinary Americans," stated Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic leader in the House.

Tension is also being felt within the Democratic Party, whose leaders are being pressured not to give in.

Trump's team insists that the responsibility lies with his opponents.

Russ Vought, the budget director, argued that a shutdown is avoidable if the Senate approves the Republican plan: "A shutdown can be managed appropriately, but it is something that can be avoided if the Democrats agree to the bill passed by the House."

On the other side, the Democrats believe that the president is not seeking to negotiate, but to impose.

The Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, was blunt: "We have less than a day to resolve this and Trump is trolling on the Internet like a 10-year-old."

The Trump administration blames the Democrats, and the conflict intensifies on the Internet

The party pulse has intensified on social media.

The White House has placed a clock on its official site that counts down the duration of the shutdown with the message: "The Democrats have shut down the government".

For their part, from the official account of the House Republicans, it was stated: "The Democrats have officially shut down the federal government. They are prioritizing undocumented immigrants and harming working Americans."

The White House itself released a message accusing the opposition of promoting a "$1.5 trillion wish list," which includes "free healthcare for illegals" and of "holding the nation hostage."

The Democratic response came from former Vice President Kamala Harris, who wrote: "Let’s be clear: Republicans are in charge of the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. This is their shutdown."

Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Government Shutdown and Its Immigration Implications