New Delhi, Sept. 30 -- The long-looming threat could turn into a reality within some hours if Donald Trump and the Democrats fail to strike a deal before Tuesday midnight, October 1.

October 1 isn't just another date on the calendar-it is a significant date for the US because it marks the start of the federal government's fiscal year. The entire US federal government's budget for every year begins on October 1st and runs until September 30. This date is the annual deadline for Congress to pass the necessary funding to keep the government running.

The date also holds importance for the nation's immigration system, with new fiscal year allocations for US visas - making the October visa bulletin significant - as it is the first bulletin of...