Today, the House voted to approve a stopgap funding measure, with hours to spare before federal agencies would be affected. The resolution is expected to be signed by President Biden before the midnight deadline. The stopgap efforts fund the government and its agencies through December 3, 2021. The bill also includes $28.6 billion for those affected by natural disasters over the past year and a half and $6.3 billion for Afghan refugees, to support their resettlement. Another $2.5 billion is for the care and shelter of undocumented migrant children who crossed the border alone, while the U.S. government considers their status.
FY2022 budgets have not been approved. More than a dozen fiscal 2022 appropriation bills will need to be addressed prior to December 3, 2021, to avoid another potential shutdown. Republicans oppose funding increases that are weighted to nondefense programs. Wrapped up in these budgets are potential updates to the immigration system.
Debt limit
Legislation must be passed to increase the federal borrowing cap. The Treasury Department currently estimates the federal government could risk default if Congress does not increase the debt limit before roughly October 18, 2021. Without the debt increase, the federal government will need to limit spending virtually across the board.
Infrastructure Bill
The $1 trillion infrastructure bill and the $3.5 trillion social impact package that includes social services and immigration as well as climate change remain in limbo. Both packages are stalled primarily on partisan lines.
At this time, it appears 80,000 green cards will expire at midnight. In addition, diversity visa lottery winners who have not yet had their interview will lose their opportunity to complete processing before September 30, 2021, by the midnight deadline. Immigration processes will continue as the current norm.
ILBSG continues to monitor government legislation and keep our clients informed. If you have questions about how this could affect your immigration status or any immigration-related issues, contact our attorneys. We are here to ensure you get the right advice.
