Amid Shutdown, DHS Marks 23rd Anniversary, Emphasizes Continuity of Core Missions
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marked its 23rd anniversary as the federal government faced a lapse in appropriations.
- Essential DHS operations continue; many personnel are “excepted” and working without pay until funding is restored.
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) generally continues processing because it is fee-funded, though programs reliant on appropriations or partner agencies can face constraints.
- Travelers and migrants should expect CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection), ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and TSA screening to remain operational; immigration court (run by DOJ’s EOIR) may limit non-detained hearings during shutdowns.
DHS marks 23 years amid funding uncertainty
DHS commemorated its 23rd anniversary on March 1, noting the milestone even as the government operated under a shutdown caused by a lapse in appropriations. In its statement, the department highlighted the dedication of its workforce and the continuity of core missions across components such as CBP, TSA, ICE, USCIS, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), and the U.S. Coast Guard—many of which maintain operations during funding gaps under “excepted” status tied to national security and public safety.
What stays open, what can slow down
For immigrants and employers, the key question is operational impact. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) is primarily funded by filing fees, so it typically continues to accept and adjudicate applications and petitions during shutdowns. That means biometrics, interviews, and case processing often proceed. However, services that depend on appropriated funds or on other agencies can be constrained; historically, E‑Verify (the online employment eligibility system run by USCIS) has been paused during shutdowns, and some interagency security checks can add time. The DHS anniversary notice did not provide program‑by‑program operational details.
Borders, enforcement, and courts
At the borders and within the interior, CBP inspections and ICE detention and removal operations generally continue as excepted law-enforcement activities. TSA airport screening also remains in place. Immigration courts are separate—run by the Department of Justice’s EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review), not DHS—and, in prior shutdowns, detained dockets continued while most non‑detained hearings were postponed. Individuals with immigration court dates should check EOIR hotlines and stay in close contact with counsel.
What this means if you’re in the process now
Bottom line: file on time, monitor case notices, and attend biometrics or interviews if scheduled. Build extra time into travel and adjudication timelines in case ancillary services slow. Employers should monitor E‑Verify and Form I‑9 guidance pages for any shutdown-specific instructions. For travelers, allow additional time at airports and land ports of entry. DHS used the anniversary to underscore that, despite funding uncertainty, its national-security and immigration missions will carry on.
Source: Original Article