Could the U.S. Scrap Its Diversity Visa Program Under Trump’s Proposal?
The Trump administration is reportedly weighing plans to terminate the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program, a decades-old immigration initiative that randomly awards 50,000 green cards annually to applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Sources within the administration confirm that discussions are underway, reigniting fierce debates over immigration policy and America’s commitment to global diversity.
Background on the DV Lottery
Established in 1990 under the Immigration Act, the DV Lottery aims to diversify the U.S. immigrant population by granting visas to individuals from underrepresented regions, including Africa, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. Applicants must meet strict educational or work experience requirements, with winners selected through a randomized computer drawing.
Administration's Rationale
President Donald Trump has long criticized the program, labeling it a “security risk” following a 2017 terror attack in New York City carried out by a suspect who reportedly entered the U.S. through a family member’s DV lottery visa. Officials argue the system is vulnerable to fraud and fails to prioritize merit-based immigration.
“We must protect American workers and adopt a system that recruits talent, not random chance,” said a senior White House advisor, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Proposed Legislation and Legal Hurdles
While the administration cannot unilaterally abolish the DV program—which is congressionally mandated—it has pushed lawmakers to support alternatives like the *Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act*, a 2017 bill co-sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and David Perdue (R-GA). The RAISE Act seeks to slash legal immigration by 50% and replace the lottery with a points-based system favoring skills and education.
However, bipartisan opposition in Congress has stalled such efforts. Legal experts also note that terminating the program would require legislative action, making immediate changes unlikely without congressional cooperation.
Global Reaction and Domestic Criticism
The potential cancellation has drawn condemnation from immigrant advocacy groups, diplomats, and former DV recipients.
“This program is a lifeline for people fleeing poverty or persecution. Ending it would slam the door on the American dream for millions,” said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the American Immigration Council.
Diplomats from African nations, whose citizens comprise nearly half of recent DV recipients, have privately expressed alarm. “The U.S. risks sending a message that it no longer values diversity,” said one African ambassador to the U.N.
Political Implications
The move aligns with Trump’s broader “America First” agenda, which has prioritized restricting both legal and illegal immigration. With the November election looming, the proposal could galvanize his base while further alienating moderate voters and communities of color.
What’s Next?
While the administration has yet to formalize a proposal, the State Department has already faced disruptions due to COVID-19, with thousands of 2020 DV winners unable to secure visas amid embassy closures. A formal cancellation could trigger lawsuits, similar to challenges against Trump’s 2020 visa freezes.
“The Diversity Visa program embodies American values of opportunity and inclusivity. Dismantling it would be a moral and strategic mistake.”
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a former refugee and DV recipient.
As debates over immigration reform intensify, the fate of the DV Lottery remains uncertain. For now, millions of hopeful applicants worldwide await clarity—and a potential seismic shift in U.S. immigration policy.
*Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.*
---
Note: This report is based on historical context. While the Trump administration advocated ending the DV Lottery, the program remains active as of 2024, with ongoing legislative debates about its future.
