How does the U.S. government shutdown affect immigration procedures?

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) clarified that the federal government shutdown does not imply changes to immigration laws or border control

In a statement published on its official X account, the agency asserted that the rumors about a potential open entry for undocumented migrants are false.

“There are no changes in immigration laws or in the enforcement of border regulations,” stated ICE.

"The security and control operations remain strict, and crossing the border without authorization continues to be a crime," he emphasized.

However, reports from CNN indicate that the shutdown is partially affecting some immigration processes and immigration courts, due to the suspension of activities in federal agencies that are directly dependent on the budget approved by Congress.

According to the television network, most immigration procedures, such as the issuance of passports, visas, and consular assistance, continue to operate normally, as the services of the Department of State are funded through the fees charged to applicants.

A spokesperson for the agency explained to the media that the embassies and consulates of the United States, both within the country and abroad, will continue to operate "as long as the situation allows."

However, some functions have already been impacted. The E-Verify platform, used by companies to verify the work eligibility of their employees, has been temporarily suspended, which could delay new hiring.

Labor certifications issued by the Department of Labor, which are essential for H-1B and E-3 work visas, were also interrupted, as confirmed by attorney Olga Ayo from the organization Citizen Concierge.

In the judicial realm, the situation is uneven. CNN reported that several immigration courts in New York, Atlanta, and Virginia suspended hearings for individuals who are not detained, while others partially continued them.

In the immigration court in Atlanta, for example, it was reported that only hearings for detained immigrants would continue.

The American Immigration Council warns that if the shutdown continues, tens of thousands of immigration cases could be rescheduled, exacerbating delays in a system that already has over 3.4 million pending files.

At the end of 2019, about 80,000 hearings were suspended, and experts anticipate a greater impact this time around.

Although the government shutdown could last several days, ICE reiterated that immigration law enforcement and border security remain unchanged, while self-funded services continue to operate normally.

The recent federal government shutdown in the United States is already causing visible impacts on several essential services, including the country's immigration machinery.

Although most immigration procedures continue to operate thanks to their self-funding, platforms like E-Verify and services from the Department of Labor related to work visas have been suspended, putting new hiring and critical processes for foreign workers on hold.

The shutdown has begun to affect areas such as air traffic and airport security, which could further complicate the operations of consulates and border services.

In parallel, several immigration courts have canceled hearings for non-detained individuals, further extending the already chronic delays in the U.S. immigration system.

From a political standpoint, Donald Trump has defended the shutdown as a necessary act to stop what he describes as "unjustified spending" on programs that, in his view, benefit foreigners or inefficient governments.

This speech reinforces his hardline stance on immigration, as the country faces a situation of partial paralysis with direct consequences for the access to rights and basic services for migrants in process.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact of the U.S. Government Shutdown on Immigration Procedures