Cierre del Gobierno en 2026: principales repercusiones en la inmigración

Kris Quadros-Ragar • February 2, 2026

 Click here to read this article in English

El gobierno federal entró en un cierre parcial el 31 de enero de 2026, después de que el Congreso no aprobara un paquete de financiación definitivo. Aunque esto sigue al cierre récord de 43 días del otoño pasado, se espera que esta interrupción sea breve, ya que se prevé que la Cámara de Representantes vote durante la primera semana de febrero.


Sin embargo, a fecha de 2 de febrero, varios departamentos clave están funcionando bajo contingencias de cierre. Si usted es un empleador o un ciudadano extranjero, esto es lo que necesita saber sobre cómo afecta esto a sus asuntos de inmigración:


Repercusiones para los empleadores


LCA certificadas: El Departamento de Trabajo (DOL por sus siglas en ingñés) ha suspendido la tramitación de las solicitudes de condiciones laborales. Esto significa que, en la actualidad, los empleadores no pueden obtener las certificaciones necesarias para presentar nuevas solicitudes H-1B, H-1B1 o E-3.


PERM y salarios vigentes: Se ha suspendido la tramitación de las certificaciones laborales PERM y las determinaciones de salarios vigentes. Es probable que esto provoque un retraso una vez que el gobierno vuelva a abrir.


E-Verify: El sistema E-Verify suele desconectarse durante un cierre. Los empleadores deben seguir cumpliendo los requisitos del formulario I-9, pero es posible que no puedan resolver las no confirmaciones provisionales (TNC por sus siglas en inglés) hasta que se restablezca el sistema.


Repercusiones para los empleados y sus familias


Servicios consulares: Aunque las embajadas y consulados de Estados Unidos se financian con tasas, es posible que se reduzcan sus operaciones. Si tiene una entrevista para obtener un visado próximamente, consulte el sitio web del consulado correspondiente para conocer las últimas novedades, ya que es posible que se produzcan retrasos.


Operaciones del USCIS: Dado que el USCIS se financia principalmente con las tasas de solicitud, permanece abierto. Debe acudir a las entrevistas y citas biométricas programadas, a menos que se le notifique lo contrario.


CBP y viajes: Las funciones de la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (CBP por sus siglas en inglés) son esenciales. Los puertos de entrada permanecen abiertos, aunque es posible que se produzcan tiempos de espera más largos debido a los ajustes de personal.



En Santos Lloyd, estamos siguiendo de cerca la evolución de la situación. Tanto si es usted un empresario que busca orientación sobre cómo afecta este cierre a sus planes de contratación, como si es un empleado con preguntas generales sobre si se verá afectado y de qué manera, póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina. Seguimos comprometidos con usted para proporcionarle la información actualizada y la asistencia profesional necesarias para ayudarle a superar estas dificultades.

Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.

Kris Quadros-Ragar

Government Shutdown 2026: Key Impacts on Immigration

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • February 2, 2026
The federal government entered a partial shutdown on January 31, 2026, after Congress failed to pass a final funding package. While this follows the record-breaking 43-day shutdown from last fall, this disruption is expected to be brief, with a House vote anticipated for the first week of February. However, as of February 2, several key departments are operating under shutdown contingencies. If you are an employer or a foreign national, here is what you need to know about how this affects your immigration matters: Impacts for Employers Certified LCAs: The Department of Labor (DOL) has suspended the processing of Labor Condition Applications. This means employers cannot currently obtain the certifications required to file new H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 petitions. PERM and Prevailing Wages: Processing for PERM labor certifications and prevailing wage determinations has halted. This will likely cause a backlog once the government reopens. E-Verify: The E-Verify system is typically taken offline during a shutdown. Employers should continue to follow I-9 requirements but may be unable to resolve Tentative Nonconfirmations (TNCs) until the system is restored. Impacts for Employees and Families Consular Services: While U.S. embassies and consulates are fee-funded, their operations may be reduced. If you have an upcoming visa interview, check the specific consulate's website for status updates, as delays are possible. USCIS Operations: Because USCIS is primarily funded by application fees, it remains open. You should still attend scheduled interviews and biometrics appointments unless notified otherwise. CBP and Travel: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) functions are essential. Ports of entry remain open, though you may experience longer waiting times due to staffing adjustments. At Santos Lloyd, we are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds. Whether you are an employer seeking guidance on how this shutdown impacts your hiring plans or an employee with general questions regarding if or how you may be affected, please reach out to our office. We remain dedicated to providing the updates and professional assistance necessary to help you navigate these disruptions.

USCIS Changes H-1B Lottery to Wage-Based Selection

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Increase in issuance of EB-1A RFEs

By April Perez • January 9, 2026
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence.  If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.
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