The U.S. government has officially suspended the Green Card Lottery program. This move follows a security review linked to a recent shooting case connected to Brown University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Officials confirmed that the suspect entered the United States through the diversity visa system. Because of this link, the administration said it needed to act quickly. Therefore, the program has been paused while authorities review screening rules.
What the Green Card Lottery is
The Green Card Lottery is formally called the Diversity Visa Program. It allows people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates to apply for permanent residency.
Each year, thousands are selected through a random process. However, all winners must still pass background and security checks. The program has existed for decades, and many families have used it legally. Still, the recent case raised concerns.
President Trump suspends green card lottery program used by Brown University, MIT shootings suspect https://t.co/kNMxWZZf07
— The Hill (@thehill) December 19, 2025
After investigators confirmed how the suspect entered the country, officials began reviewing visa records. They said the case exposed possible gaps in the system.
Meanwhile, political pressure grew. Lawmakers asked how a person with warning signs could pass checks. Because public safety is involved, the administration decided not to wait. So, the suspension was announced as a preventive step, not a permanent shutdown.
Government leaders stressed that the pause is temporary. They say the goal is to strengthen vetting, not to end legal immigration.
Officials also noted that most diversity visa holders follow the law and contribute positively. However, even one failure can have serious results. Therefore, agencies will now recheck how background reviews are done and how data is shared across departments.
The suspension affects people who planned to apply this year. Many had already gathered documents and paid fees.
Immigration lawyers say the pause creates uncertainty. However, they expect updates once the review ends. For now, applicants are advised to wait and follow official announcements.
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The suspension of the Green Card Lottery reflects growing focus on immigration security. The administration says the decision is about safety, not discrimination.
As reviews continue, the future of the program remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that this case has pushed immigration policy back into the national spotlight.