Now that the unimaginable, automatic across-the-board budgets cuts are effective, both the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and the Department of State (“DOS”) have opined on the potential, long term impact of the cuts on their agencies’ operations.\u00a0\u00a0 In a cost saving move, DHS has just released hundreds of low priority immigration detainees who have either been held on civil immigration violations, or have been convicted of minor crimes and are in removal proceedings.\u00a0 Because the benefits agency of DHS, the United States Citizenship and Services (“USCIS”) operations are fee based, case adjudications may be less impacted than other DHS operations.\u00a0 Long term cut effects may involve longer lines at TSA airport checkpoints, longer border crossing lines at the U.S.- Mexico and U.S-Canadian borders, and longer cargo inspection times.\u00a0 The DOS has expressed concern for increased visa delays owing to fewer officers adjudicating visa applications despite the DOS’ recent focused efforts (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Now that the unimaginable, automatic across-the-board budgets cuts are effective, both the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and the Department of State (“DOS”) have opined on the potential, long term impact of the cuts on their agencies’ operations.\u00a0\u00a0 In a…<\/span><\/p>\n