The U.S. is bracing for a government shutdown Tuesday night as President Trump and Democrats clash over spending. Unlike past standoffs, this one unfolds amid Trump’s sweeping power plays — from sending troops to Portland to pushing the Supreme Court to end birthright citizenship. The shutdown’s impact on immigration could be immediate and far-reaching:
USCIS
- Will continue processing petitions and applications, since it runs on user fees, not federal appropriations.
Department of Labor (DOL)
- The Office of Foreign Labor Certifications is closed. No processing of Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), Prevailing Wage Determinations, or PERM filings.
- This blocks petitions requiring certified LCAs (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3). In past shutdowns, USCIS granted exemptions, but none have been announced yet.
- PERM’s strict timing rules may also be disrupted.
Department of State
- Visa issuance and consular services remain open for now.
- If funds run out, services could be scaled back or halted. Applicants are advised to monitor consulate websites.
Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
- Travelers with valid visas should face no issues entering. I-94 electronic retrieval is operational.
- Canadians applying for TN or L-1 status at ports of entry should confirm whether their processing location is open.
E-Verify
- System is offline. Employers cannot verify new hires.
- The three-day rule is suspended; deadlines for employees to resolve Tentative Nonconfirmations are extended.
- Employers may not take adverse action against employees caught in interim status.
- Form I-9 obligations remain in effect.
The Bigger Picture
Trump shows no sign of compromise as Democrats demand ACA subsidy extensions. A shutdown could cost the economy billions, but for immigrants and employers, the disruption starts immediately — with stalled labor certifications, uncertain visa processing, and hiring headaches.
Source: Government Shutdown 2025: What It Means for H1B, PERM, and Visa Applications