Mon Feb 03 12:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Federal Agencies Clash Over Deferred Resignation Offer
**Washington, D.C. –** Confusion reigns among federal employees regarding the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) offer of deferred resignation. While OPM initially presented a blanket offer, several agencies are now rejecting or clarifying its application within their ranks.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) component, has explicitly informed its employees that they are ineligible for the program, citing OPM guidance. Acting Director Jennifer Higgins stated that USCIS will not accept resignations submitted through this initiative and that the agency is adhering to President Trump’s return-to-work memorandum.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presents a more ambiguous picture. While an initial memo suggested some positions might be excluded, a subsequent message to VA healthcare workers indicated that further guidance is forthcoming to ensure continued healthcare operations. Employees who have already selected resignation are instructed to continue working until their supervisors confirm a leave status.
In contrast, the General Services Administration (GSA) affirmed the validity of OPM’s offer, stating that no positions are excluded. Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian, however, warned of impending workforce reductions and a shift to a performance-based culture, emphasizing that further consolidations and office closures are planned even for those who do not accept the deferred resignation. The GSA is also enforcing a return-to-office mandate starting March 3rd.
The discrepancies between agency responses highlight the complexities and evolving nature of the federal government’s workforce restructuring plans. The situation remains fluid, with several agencies awaiting further clarification from OPM and issuing their own internal guidelines.
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