The United States government shutdown began on December 22, 2018, and the American people can now feel how it is affecting their lives. It has now been the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. President Trump stated that the government shutdown can last for “months, even years.” If Trump does not get the $5.6 billion dollars he wants for his wall, he will declare a state of national emergency, meaning he will build the wall without the approval of Congress. There are approximately 800,000 Americans that are working without pay due to the shutdown. Many are quitting their jobs and applying for part-time jobs to be able to sustain their families.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Many Transportation Security Administration workers have been affected by the shutdown because they are working without pay. Because many are not receiving a paycheck, many are calling out sick. TSA usually screens people and their baggage at airports, and since many are calling out sick, the wait to go through TSA is longer and is affecting many passengers. Many TSA workers are quitting since they cannot economically sustain themselves and their families.

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration has stopped the inspection of vegetables, seafood, and fruits. Many Americans could be at risk of being exposed to some kind of virus since these foods are not being inspected. The shutdown is affecting the health of the American people and is putting the health of Americans at risk.  

Law Enforcement Personnel

There are thousands of law enforcement personnel that are working without pay. However, this also means that there is less law enforcement agents in the FBI, Border Protection, Secret Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This affects every American because there is less security and the lives of people are more at risk without personnel.

Parks and Museums

Parks and museums are closed due to the shutdown, not allowing Americans nor tourists to enter the parks. There is no personnel working and the parks are not being cared for, with trash cans filling up and trash scattered around our national treasures. There are parks that are still open to the public which are being supported economically by their state. There are volunteers that are helping keep the parks clean and in order. However, park rangers still find themselves without a job.

IRS

Many Americans are worried they will not be able to get their tax returns because of the government shutdown, but the IRS recently announced that tax returns will not be affected by the government shutdown. The IRS has now announced that the process of tax returns will commence on January 28, consistent to recent years.

Immigration Officers

All immigration offices are also closed. This means that there will be a delay in deportations, which is what President Trump, ironically, does not want. The impact of the shutdown is felt most on immigration cases, which have been put on hold. Ports of entry have fewer immigration officers on site, and those who are there, are not receiving pay. 

These are just a few of the many government jobs that are being affected.  The list continues and we have only to hope that the public does not pay a higher price than $5.6 billion dollars for the wall.