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
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that visitors to the US under the visa waiver program for the 2026 World Cup could face a more extensive ESTA application process.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and K. Edward Raleigh outline how recent US visa policy changes affect H-1B and H-4 workers and how employers are adjusting compliance and work authorization processes.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer emphasizes the importance of legal support in helping skilled professionals navigate work-based immigration to Germany.
Blog post
The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the US proposal to expand social media screening for visitors from visa waiver countries and the broader shift it represents in travel vetting.
Video
The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.
Media mentions
Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains that the Department of Labor’s Project Firewall expands H-1B oversight beyond individual complaints and increases the scope of employer compliance reviews.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that visitors to the US under the visa waiver program for the 2026 World Cup could face a more extensive ESTA application process.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and K. Edward Raleigh outline how recent US visa policy changes affect H-1B and H-4 workers and how employers are adjusting compliance and work authorization processes.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer emphasizes the importance of legal support in helping skilled professionals navigate work-based immigration to Germany.
Blog post
The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the US proposal to expand social media screening for visitors from visa waiver countries and the broader shift it represents in travel vetting.
Video
The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.
Media mentions
Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains that the Department of Labor’s Project Firewall expands H-1B oversight beyond individual complaints and increases the scope of employer compliance reviews.