As many high-profile agencies sit idle because of the federal government shutdown, some are humming along just fine.

Many of them have escaped the ax because they pay much of their own way, or enjoy a revenue stream that's insulated from Congress.

That means the cable bill and weekly grocery ads will still fill mailboxes because of the stamps and other items the post office sells. It also means that applications for immigration benefits, which can include green cards or immigrants trying to change their immigration status, will still be processed, thanks to user fees.

The same is true for issuing passports, and State Department processing of visas for foreigners who want to visit the United States, just to name a few continuing government services.

[Associated Press]

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