Shutdown- immigration- here are some effects

A week after the government shutdown, effects of it can be felt on immigration quite strongly. Here is a link to the American Immigration Lawyers Association page that gives a breakdown of all the services. http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=35062

Here is my running list of issues I have seen come up:

1. I-94s: As you may know, the government recently decided not to issue paper I-94s. So you need to print it from their website at www.CBP.gov. However, some reports suggest that the website is not producing the information and there are not a lot of people answering the phones. So, please try all variations of your name and be persistent.

2. Passports: The passport office is meant to be open and should be issuing passports as per their website. However, we have not been able to connect to the passport office for information. Why is this important? If you have a citizenship interview coming and have plans to travel immediately upon acquiring citizenship, you will need a passport. Best to talk to a lawyer if you fall in this category.

3. Social Security Numbers: The Social Security Office is not issuing new numbers. Those who have new work authorization, need to apply for SSNs (new green card holders or those with new H1b approvals). As long as you have work authorization from USCIS, you are technically allowed to work even without an SSN. Talk to a lawyer if this is you.

4. H1b/PERMs: The Department of Labor is indeed closed and not issuing Labor Conditions Applications (LCA) or various forms for PERMs. Why is this a problem? LCAs are a prerequisite form for an H1b application. If you need to file an H1b asap, you are likely to have problems and must talk to a lawyer. Same goes with PERMs.

5. Immigration court closed. Only detained cases are being dealt with. All other things have to wait. If you have a case pending, talk to your lawyer.

Embassies should be working.

The most common question I have been getting is this: Will there be a delay in my case pending with USCIS?

Answer: No. The USCIS is a fee-based agency so you do not have to worry about delay at the USCIS level (their delays are not because of the shutdown- they simply have a backlog).

Hope this helps!