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Congress returns from recess in 2024 facing a daunting task: approving crucial supplemental funding while navigating the contentious terrain of immigration and border security. This delicate dance threatens to trigger a government shutdown, jeopardizing aid for Ukraine and Israel.

Funding Fallout: Immigration Intersects with Global Aid

President Biden’s $105.9 billion supplemental funding proposal aims to bolster international allies like Ukraine and Israel. However, Republican support hinges on finding common ground on immigration and border security. Senate Republicans envision tying an immigration agreement to the funding package, while House Republicans prefer separate legislation, potentially pushing HR 2, the House-passed border bill, as a prerequisite.

Failure to pass the supplemental funding could jeopardize aid to allies, while a Jan. 19 government shutdown looms if funding for four key agencies is not secured. This upcoming deadline, in addition to the tension surrounding potential impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, make the atmosphere in Washington increasingly volatile.

Important Upcoming Deadlines

Past shutdowns remain top of mind. Congress narrowly avoided shutdowns twice in 2023, highlighting the ongoing budget struggles. Two upcoming deadlines may test bipartisan resolve.

There will be a partial shutdown Jan. 19 unless funding for the Agriculture, Energy & Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD departments is secured. Speaker Johnson (R-LA) proposes a full-year extension, but this approach may cause greater uncertainty. The deadline for the remaining eight appropriations bills is Feb. 2, at which point a wider shutdown may occur if congressmembers are not able to agree.

A government shutdown would cause non-essential personnel to be furloughed, thus disrupting national park access, delaying passport issuance, and inhibiting scientific research. Economic uncertainty would ripple through businesses and consumer confidence. In short, a shutdown would hinder both national security and domestic well-being.

Uncertain Future

With much at stake, finding common ground is paramount. Senate negotiators strive to bridge the partisan divide and craft a workable immigration agreement. Yet the question remains: will the House follow suit, or will fragmented legislation jeopardize the entire funding package? The coming weeks will test bipartisan cooperation.

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Photo of Laura Foote Reiff ‡ Laura Foote Reiff ‡

Laura Foote Reiff has more than 32 years of experience representing businesses and organizations in the business immigration and compliance field. She is also a business immigration advocate and has long chaired prominent business immigration coalitions. Laura is Co-Founder of GT’s Business and

Laura Foote Reiff has more than 32 years of experience representing businesses and organizations in the business immigration and compliance field. She is also a business immigration advocate and has long chaired prominent business immigration coalitions. Laura is Co-Founder of GT’s Business and Immigration and Compliance Group which she co-led since 1999. She currently chairs the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. Immigration and Compliance Practice. Laura is also Co-Managing Shareholder of the Northern Virginia Office of GT, a position she has held since 2010. As a global leader in the business immigration community, Laura has served on the Boards of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the American Immigration Council, the National Immigration Forum and is currently the Chair of the America is Better Board.

Laura advises corporations on a variety of compliance-related issues, particularly related to Form I-9 eligibility employment verification matters. Laura has been involved in audits and internal investigations and has successfully minimized monetary exposure as well as civil and criminal liabilities on behalf of her clients. She develops immigration compliance strategies and programs for both small and large companies. Laura performs I-9, H-1B and H-2B compliance inspections during routine internal reviews, while performing due diligence (in the context of a merger, acquisition or sale) or while defending a company against a government investigation.

Laura represents many businesses in creating, managing and using “Regional Centers” that can create indirect jobs toward the 10 new U.S. jobs whose creation can give rise to EB-5 permanent residence for investment. She coordinates this work with attorneys practicing in securities law compliance, with economists identifying “targeted employment areas” and projecting indirect job creation, and with licensed securities brokers coordinating offerings. She also represents individual investors in obtaining conditional permanent residence and in removing conditions from permanent residence.

Laura’s practice also consists of managing business immigration matters and providing immigration counsel to address the visa and work authorization needs of U.S. and global personnel including professionals, managers and executives, treaty investors/ traders, essential workers, persons of extraordinary ability, corporate trainees, and students. She is an immigration policy advocacy expert and works on immigration reform policies.

 Admitted in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Not admitted in Virginia. Practice limited to federal immigration practice.