Congress Passes Short-Term Measure to Lift Partial Shutdown Through February 15
January 25, 2019
At a glance
- Border security and budget negotiations will continue through February 15, but another partial shutdown could occur if Congress and the White House do not reach agreement.
- Affected government agencies, including some immigration functions, are expected to resume shortly after the President signs the bill.
The situation
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have passed a temporary spending measure that fully reopens the federal government through February 15, 2019 while budget and border security negotiations continue. President Trump has said he will sign the measure. If no agreement is reached by February 15, a further shutdown could occur.
Affected immigration functions are expected to resume shortly after the bill becomes law. This is expected to include the lapsed E-Verify system and the EB-5 Regional Center Program. Some CBP services that were suspended or slowed by the shutdown – including correction of errors on I-94 arrival records – should resume but may be delayed as local CBP offices work through backlogs.
USCIS, U.S. consular services and Department of Labor immigration operations were not affected by the shutdown and continue to operate.
Fragomen is closely monitoring immigration services affected by the shutdown and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
This alert is for information purpose only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with who you work.
Explore more at Fragomen
Awards
Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses updates in the October 2025 US visa bulletin for employment-based green card applicants.
Video
Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.
Blog post
Blog post
Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses updates in the October 2025 US visa bulletin for employment-based green card applicants.
Video
Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.
Blog post
Blog post
Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.