President Trump Signs Spending Bill with Stopgap Funding through December 7
September 28, 2018

At a glance
- President Trump has signed a bill to fund the federal government through December 7, averting a federal shutdown on September 30.
- Immigration programs set to expire on September 30 will be reauthorized through December 7, including the E-Verify and EB-5 Regional Center programs.
The situation
Today, President Trump signed a spending bill containing a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through December 7 while negotiations on the FY 2019 budget continue. Passage of the law averts a government shutdown after September 30.
In recent weeks, President Trump had signaled he would not sign the spending bill due to its lack of funding for a border wall with Mexico. However, shortly before the House of Representatives passed the bill earlier this week, President Trump stated his intention to sign the bill and avoid a government shutdown.
What it means
The law ensures there will be no disruption to federal government operations through December 7 and extends until that date four immigration programs that were set to expire on September 30:
- The E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification system;
- The EB-5 Regional Center permanent residence program for foreign investors;
- The Conrad 30 waiver program for foreign medical graduates who will work in areas of the United States that are underserved by physicians; and
- The special immigrant non-minister religious worker permanent residence program.
Congress will continue to work on the FY 2019 budget, including appropriations for the Departments of Homeland Security and State.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.
Blog post
Manager Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German immigration law, including EU Blue Card mobility, short-term work permissions, residence permit extensions and communication with immigration authorities.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.
Video
Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Minu Joseph discusses how academic qualification recognition is shaping hiring and workforce mobility in the United Arab Emirates and what employers should consider when planning international talent transfers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top national and regional rankings in Chambers USA 2026, including its 13th consecutive year in Band 1 nationwide.
Blog post
Media mentions
Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the remaining opportunities under Ireland’s winding-down Immigrant Investor Programme and what they mean for eligible investors and their families.
Blog post
Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit analyses the UK’s latest net migration decline, exploring what the data reveals about policy impact, economic trade‑offs and the risks of over‑correction in future migration strategy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the practical considerations facing employers and foreign nationals amid recent changes to green card processing.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.
Blog post
Manager Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German immigration law, including EU Blue Card mobility, short-term work permissions, residence permit extensions and communication with immigration authorities.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.
Video
Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Minu Joseph discusses how academic qualification recognition is shaping hiring and workforce mobility in the United Arab Emirates and what employers should consider when planning international talent transfers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top national and regional rankings in Chambers USA 2026, including its 13th consecutive year in Band 1 nationwide.
Blog post
Media mentions
Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the remaining opportunities under Ireland’s winding-down Immigrant Investor Programme and what they mean for eligible investors and their families.
Blog post
Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit analyses the UK’s latest net migration decline, exploring what the data reveals about policy impact, economic trade‑offs and the risks of over‑correction in future migration strategy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the practical considerations facing employers and foreign nationals amid recent changes to green card processing.
