Washington -
The US Homeland Security Agency got a one-week extension of funding just before the midnight on Saturday deadline ran out.
At issue was Republican opposition to Democratic President Barack Obama's executive action last year to protect about 5 million illegal immigrants from deportation.
A compromise “clean” bill that does not force Obama to shut down his relief programme was approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives and sent to Obama for signature.
But it only extends funding for seven days.
Most Republicans want to withhold funds for the Homeland Security Agency until Obama drops the programme that provides immigrant relief.
A federal judge has already suspended the programme, and the Obama administration has appealed.
The one-week extension is intended to provide time to find a compromise, but it is uncertain if that is possible.
Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, but fall short of the extraordinary majority needed in the Senate to adopt legislation.
At one point, the two sides were unable to agree on a three-week extension. Representative Steve Israel, a Democrat, quipped that “terrorists don't plan their attacks on a three-week budget,” and it was dangerous for the country's anti-terrorism programme to do so.
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for screening passengers at US airports and other security duties, but it also includes the US Immigration and Naturalisation Service and is responsible for other immigration-related and security services.
Sapa-dpa