New York, NY—Today, the federal government shut down at midnight after Congress failed to reach a deal on funding. Court appearances for many immigrants were rescheduled without notice, and immigration courts across the country responded to the shutdown inconsistently, creating chaos in New York courthouses.
A government shutdown threatens the long-term provision of essential services and programs for millions of children, veterans and families. Yet, the Trump administration has deemed ICE operations and deportation activities as “essential”—meaning its $170 billion mass deportation and detention agenda will continue without interruption, even as hard-working families across the country are left without critical support. Immigrant communities will continue to live under the daily threat of raids, deportation, and detention—further destabilizing communities.
While some service provision will be affected by the government shutdown, essential programs in New York such as Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP/WIC (Food Stamps), CityFHEPS, and Section 8 benefits will not be impacted throughout October. Applications are still being accepted and processed, and no one should be discouraged from applying due to the government shutdown.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“The federal government shutdown has thrown thousands of New York families into turmoil as they attempt to navigate access to essential services and requirements to appear in immigration courts. This isn’t how a just and functional democracy for the people should work.
The Trump administration has intentionally turned its back on all hard working families by divesting from essential services like health care and food programs, in order to pour billions of dollars into ICE and CBP. The federal government is choosing to prioritize the criminalization and separation of families over the well-being of every child and family who calls this country home and truly make America great. Congress must fight for solutions that bring stability to our families and communities. Now is the time to ensure due process in immigration courts, ensure the continuation of essential services, and prioritize the needs of families over politics and cruelty.”