The government shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after Congress reached a funding deadlock over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As a result, DHS entered a partial lapse in appropriations.
This DHS shutdown does not affect every immigration-related service equally. While some programs have paused operations, others continue functioning under separate funding mechanisms.
Understanding who is affected by government shutdown events is critical for visa applicants, entrepreneurs, and international travelers.
Why USCIS Continues Operating During the Government Shutdown
Unlike many federal agencies, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is primarily fee-funded. That structure allows it to continue operating even during a government shutdown.
Additionally, prior funding adjustments under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act strengthened operational continuity for certain DHS components. As a result:
Form I-140 petitions continue processing
Adjustment of status (I-485) cases remain active
Naturalization applications proceed
However, while USCIS continues operating, delays may occur if a case requires verification from another federal agency that is currently under shutdown conditions.
Global Entry Suspended: What Travelers Need to Know
Although USCIS continues working, not all DHS programs remain active.
As of February 22, 2026, Global Entry has been suspended nationwide. The suspension affects:
Enrollment interviews
Renewals
New application approvals
Airport kiosk usage
Global Entry is administered by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which falls under DHS. During the shutdown, DHS redirected personnel to essential border operations.
This means trusted traveler benefits are currently unavailable. Travelers who rely on expedited entry should expect longer processing times at airports.
Who Is Affected by the Government Shutdown?
Many individuals are asking: who is affected by government shutdown situations like this? The answer depends on the type of service involved.
Visa Applicants Inside the U.S.
Most USCIS applications continue processing. However, cases involving:
FBI background checks
Interagency security clearances
Certain employment verifications may experience slower turnaround times.
Entrepreneurs and Foreign Founders
Business immigration filings remain active. However, founders planning travel should anticipate complications due to the Global Entry suspension.
Additionally, if a case involves coordination with agencies outside USCIS, timelines could shift.
Immigration Court Cases
Immigration courts operate under the Department of Justice, not DHS. However, operational slowdowns across agencies may indirectly affect scheduling and case coordination.
International Travelers
Travelers are among the most visibly impacted. The Global Entry suspension increases wait times and reduces expedited processing options.
Government shutdown events create legal uncertainty, particularly in immigration. Schedule a consultation to assess how the current government shutdown may affect your case or business planning.
Essential vs. Non-Essential Services During a DHS Shutdown
During a government shutdown, federal agencies classify operations as either essential or non-essential. Essential functions continue, including:
Border inspections
National security operations
Enforcement actions
Non-essential or fee-dependent services may pause or operate at limited capacity. The classification determines operational continuity.
Therefore, not all immigration services stop. Instead, each component operates under its own funding authority.
Strategic Considerations During the DHS Shutdown
Although the government shutdown does not stop USCIS operations, it introduces uncertainty across related federal agencies. Therefore, applicants and business owners should reassess timelines and expectations.
Even when USCIS continues adjudicating cases, many filings depend on background checks or interagency coordination. As a result, indirect delays may occur.
Entrepreneurs and visa applicants should:
Monitor case updates closely
Avoid unnecessary travel disruptions
Confirm the status of trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry
Plan for possible verification delays
The shutdown may not halt filings. However, it can shift timing assumptions and affect travel or compliance planning. Proactive monitoring remains essential.
Why Work With Loigica During the Government Shutdown?
Government shutdown events create legal uncertainty, particularly in immigration. At Loigica, we help:
Non-residents with active USCIS filings
Founders planning travel during service suspensions
Adjustment of status applicants monitoring interagency delays
Employers navigating compliance risks
Immigration strategy should adapt to operational realities.
Schedule a consultation to assess how the current government shutdown may affect your case or business planning.
