Global Immigration Alert: United States

While the negotiations on the FY 2018 continue, a continuing decision passed by Congress will fund the federal government, including immigration operations, through 19 January 2018. 

Four immigration programs which are expiring have been extended without changes: 

• the EB-5 Regional Center permanent residence program for foreign investors;
• the E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification system;
• 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.

What this means for you as an employer? 

When a temporary spending measure is passed means that no interruption of federal immigration operations occurs, though a federal shutdown remains a possibility if there is no agreement on FY 2018 appropriations legislation by 19 January 2018. 

If employers want to minimise the impact of a potential shutdown after 19 January, they should cooperate with their teams to determine their need for labour certifications applications, prevail PERM filings and submit the required applications. Unfortunately, if a budget agreement is not reached the functionality of Department of Labour would be totally suspended. What is more, the State Department and USCIS will continue with processing the applications, however with delays.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or our global immigration team if you have any questions.