The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ordered a pause of the Diversity Visa (DV) program, Secretary Kristi Noem announced late Thursday. The directive instructs U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to halt the program, which provides a lottery-based pathway to U.S. residency for citizens of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

Secretary Noem’s announcement follows ongoing scrutiny and discussions surrounding the integrity and security of the DV program. While the specific reasons for the pause were not immediately detailed in the initial announcement, it signals a potential review of the program’s processes and eligibility criteria. The pause is effective immediately, impacting potential applicants and those already in the application process.

The Diversity Visa program, often referred to as the green card lottery, has been a subject of debate for years. Proponents argue it promotes diversity and provides opportunities for individuals from underrepresented nations. Critics raise concerns about potential vulnerabilities to fraud and security risks. The program typically allocates a certain number of visas annually, distributed among eligible countries based on a formula designed to maintain diversity.

USCIS will likely release further guidance regarding the duration of the pause and any potential future actions concerning the DV program. This development is expected to impact international applicants seeking legal pathways to U.S. residency and could lead to adjustments in immigration policies. The Department of Homeland Security has not provided a timeline for when the program might resume.