This is your daily update on the effect the government shutdown is having on BIA operations.
The BIA is apparently still operating, although in a very limited fashion. I spoke with someone yesterday on the stay of removal line, who is still working. But at least three things seem to have changed since this whole thing started:
- I am hearing from other practitioners that FedEx packages sent to the BIA aren’t being received at the Board (because nobody there can sign for them). Instead, apparently they’re being re-routed to a facility in Alexandria where someone from the DOJ is coming over to pick them up.
- The BIA isn’t cashing checks sent with notices of appeal and motions. At least, it hasn’t cashed any of mine.
- The EOIR continues to update the information on its website about which Immigration Courts are open and which are closed. http://www.justice.gov/eoir/ICstatus.htm [As of 2015 that link no longer works]
We will keep updating you when we hear more. Of course, Congress could solve all of this by passing a budget, but apparently some in Congress have an agenda that out-ranks the business of the Board.