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 Audrea Golding discusses recent changes requiring most H-1B visa holders and certain dependents to complete in-person interviews abroad for visa renewals.

Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore Canada’s EMPP.

Blog post
Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba explains the legal process and key considerations for individuals seeking to regain South African citizenship after renunciation or loss.

Blog post
Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.

Blog post
This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Awards
Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Video
Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses recent changes requiring most H-1B visa holders and certain dependents to complete in-person interviews abroad for visa renewals.

Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore Canada’s EMPP.

Blog post
Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba explains the legal process and key considerations for individuals seeking to regain South African citizenship after renunciation or loss.

Blog post
Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.

Blog post
This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Awards
Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Video
Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.