At a Glance
- The spending bills fund the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Labor and other federal agencies through FY 2020.
- The package reauthorizes E-Verify, the EB-5 Regional Center program and other expiring immigrations through September 30, 2020.
- The President is expected to sign the bills.
The issue
Congress has passed two appropriations bills that will fund the federal government – including immigration operations – through FY 2020, which ends September 30, 2020. President Trump is expected to sign the spending package into law.
A pair of appropriations bills passed today by Congress will fund the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, Labor and other federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year, averting a government shutdown. A temporary spending measure passed in November was set to expire on December 20.
Immigration programs reauthorized
The spending package also extends four immigration programs through September 30, 2020.
E-Verify, the Conrad 30 waiver program for foreign medical graduates working in underserved areas, and the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program were extended without changes through the end of this fiscal year.
The EB-5 Regional Center program for foreign investors was also reauthorized without legislative changes through September 30, 2020. The reauthorization follows a recent USCIS regulation that increases the minimum EB-5 investment levels and gives USCIS sole authority over the designation of Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs).
What this means for employers and foreign nationals
The passage of the spending bills means that there will be no interruption of federal immigration operations.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
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Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
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Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
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Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
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Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.
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Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.
Awards
Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.
Awards
Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.
Awards
Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.