Shutdown Showdown: La amenaza que se cierne sobre los servicios de inmigración en medio de las disputas fiscales

Flavia Santos • November 30, 2023

Click here to read this article in English

Cada año, al comenzar el nuevo año fiscal federal, el Congreso de los Estados Unidos se enfrenta a la tarea fundamental de llegar a un consenso sobre la financiación del gobierno federal. Si el Congreso no logra llegar a un acuerdo y aprobar el proyecto de ley de asignaciones necesarias, existe la posibilidad de que se produzca un cierre parcial del gobierno.

Las consecuencias de dicho cierre sólo serían uniformes en algunas agencias gubernamentales si se produjera el 1 de octubre de 2023. El alcance del impacto fluctuaría, en particular para las agencias que se ocupan de asuntos relacionados con la inmigración, dependiendo de varios factores, incluida su capacidad para generar tasas y otras consideraciones.

A pesar de la incertidumbre, se prevé que ciertas funciones esenciales del gobierno persistirían, asegurando que los servicios básicos y las responsabilidades se sigan cumpliendo, incluso en el caso de un estancamiento de la financiación del gobierno. Aunque un cierre del gobierno no es definitivo, si ocurre, podemos anticipar retrasos en las prestaciones de inmigración. Teniendo en cuenta anteriores cierres, es probable que los servicios de inmigración se vean interrumpidos.

El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS) 

El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de EE.UU. (USCIS) funciona principalmente con tasas y no con fondos públicos. Las oficinas del USCIS han permanecido normalmente abiertas en anteriores cierres, pero debemos prever una ralentización de las operaciones y cuellos de botella en la tramitación.

Esta ralentización se produce debido a la reducción de los niveles de personal, principalmente cuando los adjudicadores de USCIS dependen de otras funciones del gobierno para tomar decisiones. Aunque USCIS no depende en gran medida de la financiación del gobierno, la interconexión de varios organismos puede afectar indirectamente a su eficiencia durante los cierres del gobierno, dando lugar a posibles retrasos en los servicios relacionados con la inmigración y las decisiones.


Hablando del impacto directo de la inmigración en el gobierno federal, cabe destacar la estructura de financiación y los efectos potenciales de los cierres del gobierno en agencias específicas del gobierno de EE.UU. y sus funciones relacionadas con la inmigración.

Departamento de Estado (DOS)

El Departamento de Estado de EE.UU., que desempeña un papel fundamental en la gestión de las solicitudes de visado y los servicios a los ciudadanos estadounidenses, depende de la financiación procedente de las tasas de solicitud de visado y otros cargos relacionados. Este modelo de financiación ha permitido históricamente al departamento mantener servicios esenciales, incluida la tramitación de visados para ciudadanos e inmigrantes.

Sin embargo, en caso de un cierre prolongado del Gobierno, los servicios no urgentes podrían verse afectados, lo que posiblemente provocaría la suspensión de diversas funciones relacionadas con los visados. Esto se manifestaría como la no emisión de visados de negocios y de empleo y posibles cancelaciones o reprogramaciones de citas pendientes de solicitud de visado.

Departamento de Trabajo (DOL)

Por otra parte, el Departamento de Trabajo de EE.UU. (DOL) se enfrenta a retos más importantes durante los cierres gubernamentales. A diferencia de los organismos que generan ingresos, el DOL depende en gran medida de la financiación pública. En consecuencia, los anteriores cierres gubernamentales han afectado significativamente a las funciones del DOL relacionadas con la inmigración.

Esta interrupción ha sido particularmente evidente en las solicitudes de condición laboral (LCA), las solicitudes de certificación laboral PERM y las solicitudes de salario prevaleciente. Durante los cierres, estas funciones se suspendieron por lo general, acumulando atrasos y tiempos de procesamiento prolongados, incluso después de que las operaciones del gobierno se reanudaron.

Estos distintos modelos de financiación y las tendencias históricas ponen de relieve las diferentes vulnerabilidades de las agencias en relación con los servicios de inmigración durante los cierres del gobierno. Subraya la importancia de las consideraciones presupuestarias y la planificación de contingencias para garantizar la continuidad de las funciones esenciales de inmigración, en particular cuando los modelos de financiación basados en tasas pueden proporcionar cierta resistencia, pero no son inmunes a las interrupciones causadas por los cierres prolongados del gobierno.

La incapacidad para tramitar los LCA influiría directamente en la capacidad de los empleadores para tramitar las peticiones H-1B, H-1B1 y E-3. Además, si se produce un cierre del gobierno, es muy probable que E-Verify, el sistema que los empleadores utilizan para confirmar la elegibilidad de empleo, no esté operativo.

En consecuencia, los empleadores podrían iniciar, abordar o cumplir los plazos necesarios dentro del sistema una vez que se restablezca tras la reanudación de las operaciones del gobierno. Es esencial subrayar que los empleadores seguirán estando obligados a realizar las verificaciones I-9 sin exenciones ni excepciones, incluso sin la funcionalidad de E-Verify.

En resumen, un cierre del gobierno de EE.UU. puede prolongar la duración de la tramitación de diversos asuntos relacionados con la inmigración. Las principales repercusiones, en particular para los empleadores estadounidenses que contratan a trabajadores extranjeros, abarcan:

  • La incapacidad de los empleadores de conseguir LCA aprobadas para peticiones H-1B, H-1B1 y E-3.


  • La incapacidad del Departamento de Trabajo para tramitar las solicitudes de certificación laboral PERM y determinar los salarios vigentes.

  • El posible obstáculo para las personas que deseen solicitar visados de negocios y de empleo para entrar en Estados Unidos.


Como se mencionó anteriormente, un cierre no es el escenario más probable, pero teniendo en cuenta la situación actual con las personas migrantes, es probable que sea una opción que se ejecute. Seremos los primeros en informarles de cualquier novedad que se produzca en esta situación.

Este blog no pretende ser asesoramiento jurídico y nada de lo aquí expuesto debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Por favor, programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información leída aquí.

Flavia Lloyd

The Secret Weapon in Your O-1A or EB-1A Petition: A Powerful Letter of Recommendation

By Shirin Navabi • July 17, 2025
For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.

Navigating Family-Based Immigration: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

By Denice Flores • July 10, 2025
Family-based immigration remains one of the most common paths to lawful permanent residency in the United States. It offers a lifeline to families hoping to reunite across borders, but the process is far from simple. The outcome of the applications can be delayed as a result of potential missteps while preparing the applications. Here are some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them: Incomplete or Inaccurate Forms One frequent mistake is submitting incomplete or inaccurate information on the forms like the I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and the I-485 (Adjustment of Status). Even minor errors such as misspelled names, missing signatures, or incorrect dates—can result in Requests for Evidence. To avoid this misstep, double-check all entries, cross-reference documents, and consult with an attorney before submission. Remember, immigration forms are legal documents so accuracy matters. Insufficient Supporting Evidence Proving a genuine familial relationship is the basis of family-based petitions. For spousal cases, USCIS looks closely at evidence of a bona fide marriage. Little or no supporting documents and evidence may lead to Requests for Evidence and even skepticism from USCIS. To establish a bona fide marriage, include documentation to show shared finances and liabilities. Filing Under the Wrong Category or Preference There are different immigration paths depending on whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and whether the beneficiary is a spouse, child, sibling, or parent. Each category has different processing times and visa availability. It is critical that before applying, you understand which preference category applies to your case. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21) generally receive faster processing and are not subject to annual visa caps. Not Disclosing Past Immigration or Criminal History Many applicants fail to account for past immigration violations such as visa overstays, unauthorized work, or prior removal orders. Similarly, if you fail to disclose past criminal history and these issues surface later in the process they can affect the outcome of the case. Disclose everything to your attorney, no matter how minor or old the issue seems. Prior violations don’t always mean denial but not disclosing them may lead to serious consequences. If you're considering filing a family-based petition, consult with an experienced immigration attorney at our office. Our office is committed to helping families navigate this complex process with clarity and confidence.

Understanding the Public Charge Rule: What Public Benefits May or May Not Impact Your Immigration Case

By Angelica Rice • July 3, 2025
When applying for a green card or seeking admission into the United States, one of the legal hurdles many applicants may face is the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This test evaluates whether someone is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support. But what exactly does that mean—and what types of public benefits can trigger this issue? In this article, we’ll break down what “public charge” really means, who is affected, what types of public benefits are considered, and what immigrants should be mindful of when making decisions about public programs like Medi-Cal and Medicaid. What Is the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility? The public charge rule applies to individuals applying for a visa, green card (adjustment of status), or entry into the U.S., unless they fall into an exempt category. Under this rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must determine whether the applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. This typically refers to receiving: Public cash assistance for income maintenance (such as SSI or TANF), or Long-term institutional care at government expense. This determination is based on the "totality of circumstances," including age, health, financial resources, education, skills, and whether a sponsor has submitted a valid Affidavit of Support. Who Is Exempt from the Public Charge Rule? Many categories of immigrants are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility. These include: Asylees and refugees Special immigrant juveniles Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners T and U visa applicants Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants Importantly, even if someone later adjusts status through a different pathway that is subject to public charge, any benefits they received while in an exempt category will not be held against them. What Public Benefits Are Not Considered in the Public Charge Test? It is a common and harmful myth that using any public benefit will jeopardize your immigration status. In fact, most non-cash benefits do not count against you in a public charge determination. According to USCIS and DHS guidance, the following types of assistance (current as of July 1, 2025) are not considered: Health-Related Benefits Medi-Cal/Medicaid, except for long-term institutional care Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, including subsidies COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment Community health services, crisis counseling, and short-term shelters Food and Nutrition SNAP (Food Stamps) WIC School meal programs Food banks and emergency food assistance Housing and Energy Emergency shelter Rental assistance (e.g., McKinney-Vento programs) Energy assistance (e.g., LIHEAP) Education and Childcare Public schooling Head Start Childcare subsidies (e.g., CCDF) Educational grants and scholarships Federal Cash and Tax Benefits Earned income tax credit (EITC) Child Tax Credit (CTC) Stimulus checks Unemployment insurance Social Security and veteran’s benefits Disaster and pandemic-related cash aid In short, just because a benefit is public or government-funded doesn’t automatically make it count against you. A Word of Caution About Medi-Cal and Medicaid, in Particular As of today (07/01/2025), standard use of Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid) or Medicaid for most health-related services is not considered in a public charge determination. This includes preventative care, emergency services, pregnancy-related services, and short-term care. However, if Medicaid is used for long-term institutionalization, such as in a nursing home or psychiatric facility, that does count under the public charge test. Despite current guidance, we are seeing political shifts and changes in tone from the current administration that suggest public charge policies may become more restrictive in the future. This includes renewed interest in expanding the types of public benefits that may be considered, particularly around medical assistance. For that reason, we generally recommend that individuals who are applying for adjustment of status, or who may be subject to the public charge ground in the future, avoid enrolling in Medi-Cal or Medicaid at this time, unless absolutely necessary. Final Thoughts Immigration law is complex, and the rules surrounding public charge can feel confusing or even frightening. But it’s important to understand that using most public benefits—especially for food, education, and healthcare—will not automatically jeopardize your green card or visa application. Still, because policy can change quickly, we urge individuals to consult with an immigration attorney before applying for any public assistance—especially healthcare programs like Medi-Cal or Medicaid. If you have questions or concerns about how public benefits might impact your immigration case, our office is here to help. We are committed to providing up-to-date, personalized guidance to keep your immigration journey on track. Disclaimer The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and the application of the public charge rule may vary depending on your specific situation. If you believe this topic may apply to you or you need individualized legal guidance, we encourage you to contact one of our highly-qualified legal professionals for a consultation and assistance tailored to your circumstances. Resources: USCIS Public Charge Resources ILRC Medi-Cal and Public Charge Alert (2024) California Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQ
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