In late December 2025, the Trump administration announced an immediate suspension of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the green card lottery. The move came after authorities identified the suspect in the Brown University and MIT shootings as a Portuguese national who had entered the United States through the program in 2017. For thousands of applicants hoping to obtain permanent residency through this pathway, the suspension creates significant uncertainty about their immigration futures.
What Is the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program was established by Congress in 1990 to promote immigration from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Each year, the program makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available through a randomized computer drawing. Nearly 20 million people applied for the 2025 lottery, with more than 131,000 individuals selected, including spouses of winners.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the diversity visa program, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must be natives of countries that sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous five years through family and employment categories. Additionally, applicants need either a high school education or equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years of training.
“The Diversity Visa Program has provided a legitimate pathway to permanent residency for individuals from underrepresented countries who meet strict eligibility requirements,” says Rosanna Berardi, Esq., Managing Partner at Berardi Immigration Law. “While lottery winners still undergo the same rigorous vetting process as all other immigrant visa applicants, including background checks, interviews at U.S. consulates, and security screenings, this suspension leaves thousands of qualified applicants in limbo through no fault of their own.”
The Current Suspension
On December 19, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that President Trump had directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to pause the program immediately. Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed with an announcement that the State Department would indefinitely halt the issuance of diversity visas. The Department of Homeland Security has also paused issuing green cards to individuals who arrived under the diversity program.
Who Is Affected?
The suspension impacts several groups:
- Lottery Winners: Individuals selected in recent lottery drawings who have not yet completed their visa applications or interviews now face an uncertain wait. Those who have already been scheduled for consular interviews may find their appointments cancelled or indefinitely postponed.
- Pending Adjustments: People already in the United States who won the lottery and filed to adjust their status to permanent residence may experience processing delays or denials.
- Future Applicants: Anyone hoping to enter the lottery for upcoming fiscal years cannot currently do so, as the registration system has been suspended.
Understanding the Vetting Process
It’s important to understand that winning the diversity visa lottery is only the first step in a comprehensive process. Lottery winners must still undergo extensive vetting before receiving their immigrant visas. This includes submitting detailed applications, attending in-person interviews at U.S. consulates abroad, providing supporting documentation about their education and work experience, undergoing medical examinations, and passing background checks and security screenings identical to those required of all other immigrant visa applicants.
The program’s critics have long argued it poses security risks, while supporters point out that diversity visa recipients undergo the same rigorous screening as all other immigrants seeking green cards.
What Should Affected Individuals Do?
If you are a diversity visa lottery winner or applicant affected by this suspension, consider taking the following steps:
- Document Everything: Keep copies of all correspondence from USCIS, the State Department, or your U.S. consulate, including confirmation numbers, selection letters, and any notices about scheduled interviews.
- Monitor Official Channels: Check the State Department’s Diversity Visa website and USCIS announcements regularly for updates on the program’s status.
- Understand Your Timeline: If you were selected for the current fiscal year, remember that diversity visas must be issued by September 30 of that fiscal year. The suspension significantly compresses the timeframe for processing if it is lifted.
- Seek Legal Guidance: An experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights during this uncertain period.
Legal Challenges and Future Outlook
The diversity visa lottery was created by an act of Congress, meaning the administration’s executive action to suspend it will almost certainly face legal challenges. Immigration advocacy groups have already signaled their intention to contest the suspension in court, arguing that the executive branch cannot unilaterally override a program established by federal law.
The ultimate resolution may take months or even years, leaving applicants in prolonged uncertainty. Previous attempts to eliminate the program during Trump’s first term were unsuccessful, as the program maintains support among some lawmakers who view it as promoting diversity and providing opportunities to individuals from underrepresented nations.
Protecting Your Immigration Future
The suspension of the Diversity Visa Lottery Program represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy that affects tens of thousands of aspiring immigrants worldwide. While the program has faced criticism and calls for elimination in the past, it has remained a legal pathway to permanent residency established by Congress for over three decades.
For those caught in this sudden policy change, the road ahead is uncertain. Staying informed, documenting all communications with immigration authorities, and consulting with qualified immigration counsel are essential steps to protect your interests during this time.
At Berardi Immigration Law, we understand the anxiety and frustration that policy changes like this create for individuals and families pursuing their American dreams. We remain committed to providing guidance and advocacy for our clients navigating the complex and ever-changing immigration landscape.
Diversity Visa Lottery Frequently Asked Questions
If I was selected in the diversity visa lottery, is my selection still valid?
Your selection remains technically valid for the fiscal year in which you were chosen. However, the suspension means processing has been halted indefinitely. All diversity visas must be issued by September 30 of their fiscal year, so the suspension significantly impacts your ability to complete the process in time. Monitor official government channels and consult an immigration attorney about your specific situation.
Can the Trump administration legally suspend a program created by Congress?
This is likely to be contested in court. While the executive branch has broad authority over immigration enforcement, the Diversity Visa Program was established by congressional legislation. Legal experts anticipate challenges arguing that the administration cannot unilaterally override a statutory program without congressional action. Previous executive attempts to end the program have faced legal obstacles.
Are there alternative pathways to a green card if I was relying on the diversity visa lottery?
Yes, several other pathways exist, though each has specific requirements. These include family-based immigration (if you have qualifying relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents), employment-based immigration (if you have a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you), asylum or refugee status (if you face persecution in your home country), or special immigrant categories. An immigration attorney can evaluate which options might be available based on your individual circumstances.
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