Proposals to fund the U.S. government, set to shut down on September 30, 2023, if a federal funding agreement is not reached, includes immigration policy elements. The Republican party is experiencing a deep divide between the more conservative members and other Republicans. In the House of Representatives, the Republican party holds a small majority. In the Senate, the Democratic party holds the majority. If the House is able to pass any of the required twelve funding appropriations, it is unlikely the Senate will pass them with the hardline policies on immigration. 

A Republican group of Congressional members stated they will not approve proposed federal funding if some key items are not included. The list includes elements of a border security bill that was passed by the House earlier this year. Funds to restart the building of the southern border wall and limiting the parole program are included. Other elements address illegal immigration, a demand from the House Freedom Caucus.  

To date, Congress has not finalized any of the twelve annual appropriation bills. House Speaker McCarthy is unable to advance even temporary funding measures to give Congress an additional month to determine the full budget for the next fiscal year. A group of conservative Republicans stated they will not vote through any recommendations that exceed the 2022 budget of $1.47 trillion. This is $120 billion less that the Speaker and President Biden agreed to in May of this year. 

If you have questions about how a government shutdown may affect your immigration issue, contact us at ILBSG. We continue to actively monitor all ongoing updates to give you the right advice for your particular situation.  

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