DHS on partial shutdown

The Department of Homeland Security is currently experiencing a partial shutdown as a result of a congressional deadlock regarding proposed immigration enforcement reforms. While essential operations continue, numerous employees are required to work without pay.

The partial shutdown of DHS commenced on Saturday, February 15, 2026, after Congress did not reach an agreement on either a comprehensive funding bill or a temporary stopgap measure to fund the department for the fiscal year. The impasse primarily stems from demands by Democratic lawmakers for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during federal immigration operations. Among the requested measures are requirements for judicial warrants prior to entering private property, mandatory use of body cameras, restrictions on the use of masks, and updated standards governing use of force.

Most immigration enforcement activities and USCIS processing will not be suspended, as ICE, CBP, and fee-funded USCIS operations will continue. Nonetheless, E-Verify and certain related programs may be temporarily halted, and overall staffing limitations could result in delays.

As of this time, there is still no end in sight. Both parties are well entrenched in their positions and a compromise is not on the horizon as of yet. So we will keep on watching for new developments.

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A dose of some good news.

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin is showing a positive sign, at least for those filing for adjustment of status under the F2A category. USCIS has advanced one month from January 22, 2026 as stated in the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, to February 22, 2026 in the March 2026 Visa Bulletin. The key thing to look at is the Table B under the Dates for Filing for Family-Sponsored Adjustment of Status Applications.