Recent events have understandably caused anxiety among immigrants and visa holders in the United States. Following two violent incidents connected to a single suspect on November 26, 2025 — a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and the killing of an MIT professor in a Boston-area suburb — the Trump administration announced a pause of the U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery.
In the days that followed, Homeland Security officials stated that the suspect had entered the United States through the diversity visa program years earlier. The administration characterized the pause as a response to public safety concerns and framed it as part of a broader national security review.
For many immigrants, the immediate question is not political but practical: what does this pause actually mean, who is affected, and could other immigration benefits be halted just as abruptly?
This column addresses those questions from a legal and immigration-focused perspective.
What Is the Green Card Lottery and Who Does It Affect?
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program was created by Congress to promote immigration from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Each year, up to 50,000 immigrant visas are made available through a random lottery system to applicants who meet basic education and eligibility requirements.
The program primarily affects:
- Individuals from eligible countries without close family or employment sponsorship options
- Applicants who rely on the lottery as a long-term pathway to permanent residence
- Selected winners who are in the process of consular processing or adjustment of status
Importantly, the DV Program is statutory, meaning it exists because Congress created it in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Is the Green Card Lottery Permanently Ended?
No. The program has been paused, not abolished.
The Trump administration has directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State to suspend new lottery entries and processing pending further review, citing security concerns. However, there has been no act of Congress repealing the Diversity Visa Program.
This distinction matters. While the executive branch has authority to temporarily suspend or restrict entry of certain categories of immigrants on national security grounds, only Congress can permanently eliminate the DV Program.
As of now:
- New DV lottery intake is halted
- The long-term status of previously selected applicants remains uncertain
- Legal challenges to the scope and duration of the pause are likely
Can the President Suspend Immigration Programs After Violent Incidents?
The President does have broad authority under existing immigration law to suspend the entry of certain noncitizens if deemed detrimental to U.S. interests. This authority has been upheld by the Supreme Court in prior national security-related cases.
However, this authority is not unlimited.
- Temporary suspensions may be implemented through executive action
- Permanent termination of congressionally created visa programs requires legislation
- Executive actions are subject to judicial review, especially when they conflict with statutory mandates
The current DV pause relies on executive authority, not new legislation, which means its durability may ultimately be tested in federal court.
Why This Matters Beyond the Lottery
Even though the DV Program affects a specific group of immigrants, enforcement actions taken after violent incidents often expand beyond the original target.
This is why lawful immigrants in other categories are paying close attention.
What This Means for H-1B Workers and Employment-Based Immigrants
Recent months have seen a pattern: when immigration policy tightens in response to crime or national security concerns, multiple visa categories are affected.
For employment-based immigrants, including H-1B workers, recent developments include:
- A newly imposed $100,000 supplemental fee on certain new H-1B petitions filed for workers abroad
- Enhanced background and ideological vetting at U.S. consulates
- Mandatory social media disclosure and review for many visa applicants and their dependents
These measures are already in effect, and they have increased anxiety among workers who are otherwise fully compliant with immigration laws.
It is important to distinguish between categories:
- Diversity visa applicants are affected by the current pause
- H-1B workers are facing higher costs and scrutiny, not suspension
- Green card holders retain lawful permanent residence status
- U.S. citizens are not subject to removal or visa-based restrictions
Still, the broader message is clear: lawful status alone does not shield immigrants from policy uncertainty.
What Immigrants Should Do Right Now
In periods of rapid policy change, caution and preparation matter.
Immigrants should consider:
- Maintaining strict compliance with visa terms and conditions
- Avoiding unnecessary international travel if processing or reentry rules are unclear
- Keeping complete records of applications, approvals, and prior immigration filings
- Seeking legal guidance early, especially if status depends on a paused or scrutinized program
Lawful immigrants are not automatically targeted, but sudden policy shifts can affect processing timelines, eligibility, and risk assessments even without any legal violations.
Final Thoughts
The suspension of the Green Card Lottery reflects how quickly immigration policy can shift in response to violent events, even when those events involve isolated individuals. While the legal system places limits on executive authority, uncertainty during enforcement-driven policy changes is real.
Understanding the difference between temporary executive action and permanent legal change is critical for immigrants planning their future in the United States.
Need Legal Guidance?
If you are concerned about how the Green Card Lottery pause or recent immigration enforcement changes may affect your visa status, eligibility, travel plans, or long-term immigration strategy, it is important to obtain accurate legal guidance based on your specific circumstances. Song Law Firm provides immigration counsel to individuals and families navigating policy uncertainty and shifting enforcement priorities. To discuss your situation and understand what options may be available, please contact Song Law Firm at 201-461-0031 or by email at mail@songlawfirm.com.
Disclaimer: This column provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice for your specific situation. Immigration policies change frequently; consult an attorney to understand how they apply to your case.
