In response to a recent shooting incident connected to a suspect who entered the United States via the green card lottery, President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on the diversity visa program.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the suspension on social media, expressing concern about allowing potentially dangerous individuals into the country. The suspect, Claudio Neves Valente, allegedly killed two students at Brown University and an MIT professor before taking his own life.
The diversity visa lottery provides 50,000 green cards annually to individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. It was established to foster diversity and inclusion but has faced criticism regarding its security implications.
Approximately 20 million applications were submitted for the 2025 lottery, with only 131,000 selected including spouses. Portuguese citizens secured only 38 slots among these winners. The green card holders must still undergo rigorous vetting before immigrating to the United States.
Critics argue that suspending the lottery may infringe on legal immigration avenues while proponents assert it is a necessary security measure. Trump's administration has consistently opposed the program, framing it as a risk to national safety, and the current suspension may lead to legal challenges.
This latest development reflects ongoing tensions around immigration policy in America, especially following violent incidents attributed to foreign nationals. The resumed conversation around immigration enforcement hints at a broader strategy to impose stricter regulations, while also raising questions about the future of diverse immigration pathways.
