Key Takeaways
- Current Status: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended the Green Card Lottery program “until further notice.”
- The Cause: The suspension cites the recent attacks at Brown University. The perpetrator, Claudio Neves Valente, originally entered the U.S. through the Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) program.
For years, the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery has been the most popular and accessible gateway for thousands dreaming of a life in America. However, following the tragic events at Brown University, the program has been put on indefinite hold.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision after confirming that the perpetrator of the campus attack entered the country in 2017 via the DV Lottery.
What is the Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)?
The Diversity Visa program was established by Congress in the 1990s. Its goal was simple: to bring diversity to the United States from all over the world.
The Process Was Already Delayed
This year’s application window, which typically opens in October, was already facing delays. The administration has long criticized the lottery system as lacking merit. They argue that immigration should not be based on luck, but on education, skills, and economic contribution.
Why the Suspension?
The primary reason is a severe security vulnerability. The investigation into Claudio Neves Valente revealed that his entry via the 2017 lottery was the weak link. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “The randomness of this system has become an unacceptable risk to our national security.”
This tragedy was the final straw for an administration that has long sought to end the lottery.
Beware of Scammers: Do not trust consultants or agencies claiming they have “special quotas,” can “bypass the suspension,” or offer “guaranteed registration” for a fee. These are scams.
Is the Green Card Lottery Gone Forever?
No. The law that created the lottery (INA Section 203(c)) has not been repealed by Congress. Only a congressional vote can permanently remove a law.
However, the administration is using a different legal tool: INA Section 212(f). This section gives the President the power to suspend the entry of any group of foreign nationals if it is deemed “detrimental to the interests of the United States.”
We expect lawsuits seeking an injunction (a court order to stop the suspension) to be filed soon. But until those legal battles are resolved, the lottery remains closed.
Alternative Paths to a Green Card
The door to qualified immigration is still open. Here are the most viable alternatives to the lottery:
- EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability): If you have sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, you can bypass waiting lines entirely.
- EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): If you are an expert in your field and your work benefits the U.S., you can apply without a job offer or sponsor (Self-Petition).
- EB-3 (Skilled/Unskilled Workers): You can obtain residency if a U.S. employer acts as your sponsor.
- EB-5 (Investor Visa): One of the most reliable methods for those with capital. By investing a specific amount and creating jobs for U.S. citizens, you and your family can obtain Green Cards.
The New “Trump Gold Card” Designed for individuals who provide “significant benefit” to the U.S., this new tier offers expedited residency. It involves a $15,000 processing fee and, following a security clearance, a $1 Million “donation” to secure the Gold Card.
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At Onal Gallant, we guide clients through their legal matters in the United States. Our team focuses on immigration, corporate law, U.S. investments, intellectual property law, and real estate, offering fluent services in English, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, and Russian.