DHS Funding Lapse: Immigration Processing Expected to Continue Amid Potential Shutdown
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
By Xavio February 14, 2026
A temporary funding measure for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expires at midnight tonight unless Congress passes a stopgap extension or full-year appropriations. While a DHS shutdown would disrupt some operations, most immigration-related functions—including benefits processing, border inspections, and enforcement—are expected to continue with minimal immediate impact.
Impact of a Potential DHS Shutdown
If no new funding is approved and a DHS shutdown occurs:
USCIS will maintain normal processing of immigration applications and petitions, as the agency is largely funded through applicant fees rather than congressional appropriations.
CBP border and port-of-entry operations, including immigration inspections and admissibility determinations, will remain active.
ICE enforcement activities will continue uninterrupted.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) operations will stay online.
SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements), used by government agencies to verify immigration status for benefits like driver’s licenses, is expected to remain operational.
E-Verify authorization would technically expire, though DHS may continue the program during a lapse, as occurred during the Fall 2025 shutdown.
Overall, the near-term effects on immigration processing and enforcement are anticipated to be limited.
Official USCIS Guidance on Government Shutdowns: For contingency plans and updates, visit the USCIS page at https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-contingency-plan-government-shutdown
For ongoing immigration and visa updates, visit VisasUpdate.com.
What’s Next for DHS Funding
Negotiations on DHS funding are expected to continue through the weekend. Lawmakers may pass another short-term continuing resolution or reach agreement on full fiscal year appropriations ending September 30.
Frequently Asked Questions about DHS Shutdown Impact
What happens if DHS funding lapses tonight?
A partial shutdown would begin, but most immigration functions would continue due to fee funding and essential designations.
Will USCIS stop processing applications during a DHS shutdown?
No. USCIS is primarily fee-funded and would continue normal operations.
Would border inspections or ICE enforcement be affected?
No. CBP inspection functions and ICE enforcement activities are considered essential and would continue.
What about E-Verify?
Congressional authorization would expire, but DHS may maintain operations, as it has in previous shutdowns.
Is SAVE affected?
SAVE is expected to remain available for status verification.
A DHS shutdown would primarily affect non-essential functions, with immigration services largely protected. Monitor official channels for real-time developments as negotiations progress.
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