Denver restaurants are experiencing challenges due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has resulted in furloughed workers from agencies such as the IRS not receiving pay. This loss of income among government employees is impacting local businesses that depend on their patronage. Some restaurant owners have responded by reducing staff hours, simplifying menus, and seeking new ways to maintain operations.
The immigrant workforce plays a significant role in the restaurant industry, with approximately 4 million immigrants accounting for about 22% of all food service workers.
Employers in the restaurant and bar sector have raised concerns about how the shutdown affects government agencies responsible for immigration cases. According to David Asser, Partner with Messner Reeves LLP, “ICE raids are anticipated to continue during a government shutdown because ICE enforcement operations are deemed ‘essential’ and are not impacted by funding gaps. While some other immigration services may experience delays or temporary suspensions, enforcement and removal operations, including arrests and detentions, are expected to carry on as usual.”
The E-Verify system is currently inaccessible during the shutdown. Employers cannot access their accounts to create cases or manage employment eligibility verification through this system. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) remains operational since it does not rely on congressional funding for most of its activities; however, programs funded directly by Congress may be affected.
Visa and passport services continue but could become limited if the shutdown persists, potentially restricting work to diplomatic visas and emergency situations only. Ports of entry remain open; nonetheless, applications filed at borders might face disruptions.
Immigration court proceedings for both detained and non-detained individuals will proceed despite the shutdown. Enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including those related to its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), also continue without interruption.
However, certain offices such as the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) have ceased all operations during the shutdown. Access to systems like the Foreign Labor Gateway Application (FLAG) is suspended until normal government functions resume. Similarly, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the CIS Ombudsman has halted its activities.
Some congressional offices may also be closed during this period; individuals seeking assistance should contact specific offices directly for updates.
Messner Reeves offers compliance solutions tailored for restaurants and hospitality businesses facing these regulatory challenges.
