Suspension of the U.S. green card lottery in 2025: causes, consequences and outlook

On December 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially announced the suspension of the Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery). The decision followed tragic events involving Claudio Neves Valente, a suspect in a shooting at Brown University and MIT, and triggered strong reactions both within the United States and internationally.
In this article, we examine the reasons behind the suspension, the current situation, its impact on applicants, and possible future scenarios.

The key factor behind the suspension was an incident involving Portuguese citizen Claudio Neves Valente, who is suspected of carrying out an armed attack at Brown University and MIT. Although Valente initially entered the United States on a student visa in 2000, he obtained permanent resident status much later.

While Valente was not a direct participant in the Diversity Visa Lottery, the incident became a catalyst for broader criticism of the U.S. immigrant selection system, including the DV program.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that the Valente case highlights weaknesses in current immigration policy — particularly programs based on random selection, which, according to the administration, do not provide sufficient security screening.

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program was created to increase ethnic and geographic diversity among immigrants to the United States. Its key features include:

• Quota: up to 50,000 visas issued annually
• Purpose: attracting applicants from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the U.S., particularly from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Scale: approximately 20 million applications worldwide were submitted in 2025
• Process: winning the lottery does not guarantee a visa — all selected applicants must pass interviews and background checks

Despite multiple screening stages, the program has long been criticized for lacking a focus on professional skills and educational qualifications.

The suspension of the DV program is not an isolated decision. It aligns with broader immigration policies promoted by the Donald Trump administration:

• Rejection of random selection: Trump has repeatedly argued that the lottery should be replaced with a merit-based immigration system prioritizing skilled professionals
• Response to security incidents: tightening visa and immigration policies following major incidents is not new. A similar approach was taken after attacks on U.S. military personnel in November 2025, which led to entry restrictions for Afghan nationals

The effective freeze of the program has serious implications for millions of potential immigrants:

• Current winners: individuals selected under DV-2025 may face indefinite delays, with cases potentially suspended or closed
• Future lotteries: registration for DV-2026 and subsequent years may be cancelled or postponed pending legislative review
• Legal uncertainty: lack of clarity around timelines, rules, and the program’s future creates instability for applicants and immigration attorneys alike

Several potential outcomes are being discussed:

1. Complete cancellation of the DV program — with congressional support, the administration could replace it with a points-based system
2. Program modernization — stricter eligibility criteria could be introduced, such as mandatory higher education, work experience, or English proficiency
3. Reinstatement after review — following security and procedural reforms, the program could be partially or fully restored

The suspension of the Green Card Lottery in 2025 is not merely a temporary measure but a significant step toward reshaping U.S. immigration policy. Millions of people worldwide who relied on the Diversity Visa route for legal immigration are now left in uncertainty.
In this environment, it is especially important to stay informed and consider alternative legal pathways to the United States.

If you planned to participate in the DV program or are exploring other options for legal entry and residence in the U.S., contact Visa Dan experts. We will help you identify the most suitable immigration strategy under the new conditions.

Contact Visa Dan for a personalized consultation — we provide full support at every stage, from visa applications to citizenship.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!