Future of Green Card Lottery Uncertain as Calls for Its End Grow

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Key Takeaways

• President Trump opposes the Diversity Visa Program, citing national security and advocating a merit-based immigration system since his first term.
• The fiscal year 2025 green card lottery selected 55,000 winners; results can be accessed until September 30, 2025.
• Potential cancellation risks eliminating immigration opportunities for 22.2 million applicants; future changes may involve legislative or procedural hurdles.

The Diversity Visa Program, more commonly known as the green card lottery, is at a crossroads. Over the past few years, criticism of the program has grown louder, with President Donald Trump and his administration leading the charge. Despite surviving past attempts to abolish it, the green card lottery’s future is becoming increasingly uncertain, raising concerns for millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide.

The green card lottery was created through the Immigration Act of 1990 to promote diversity in the U.S. immigration system. Each year, it allows up to 55,000 individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to apply for immigrant visas, a step toward permanent residency. For the fiscal year 2025, 55,000 winners have been selected from a pool of millions of applicants. Despite these hopeful figures, calls to cancel the program entirely have become a central part of ongoing debates about U.S. immigration policy.

Future of Green Card Lottery Uncertain as Calls for Its End Grow

Trump’s Opposition to the Green Card Lottery

President Trump, who began his second term in office in January 2025, has been an outspoken critic of the green card lottery since his first term. He frequently refers to it as the “Democrat Lottery,” linking it to national security concerns. According to Trump, the program undermines the United States’ ability to prioritize immigrants based on skills, education, and other merit-based criteria.

During his first term, President Trump supported the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act, which sought to end the Diversity Visa Program and replace it with a points-based system. The act failed to pass Congress, but the administration imposed additional requirements to restrict access to the program. For instance, Trump introduced the passport requirement during his first term, which disproportionately impacted applicants from low-income backgrounds.

Fast forward to his second term, and Trump’s opposition to the program remains clear. However, as of February 2025, he has not yet taken new decisive steps to abolish the program, although continued efforts seem likely. Ending the green card lottery would require congressional approval, and while Trump’s administration appears committed to this goal, the success of such efforts is far from certain.

Political Landscape and Public Opinion

The political climate surrounding immigration in the U.S. is continually shifting, and President Trump’s re-election in November 2024 has emboldened his administration’s stance on the issue. His win signifies that a substantial portion of Americans support tougher immigration policies. However, past attempts to repeal the Diversity Visa Program have failed, showing that it remains resilient even under pressure.

Public opinion on the program is divided. Critics argue that the program lacks accountability and undermines national security while advocating for a more merit-based approach to immigration akin to systems used in Canada 🇨🇦 and Australia 🇦🇺. Supporters, on the other hand, view the Diversity Visa Program as essential for individuals from underrepresented countries to have a chance at achieving the American dream.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Concerns

Further complicating matters, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes in January 2025. These include waiving specific requirements for some applicants adjusting their status to permanent residency. While this may make the process easier for certain applicants, the broader policy debate surrounding the program remains unaddressed.

Meanwhile, results for the fiscal year 2025 green card lottery have been available since May 2024 and can be accessed until September 30, 2025. Lottery selectees are advised to act quickly, as all green cards must be issued by the deadline. Those who win a spot in the lottery still face a thorough application process, which includes filing Form DS-260 online, attending an interview at a U.S. consulate, and paying the necessary fees. It’s important to remember that a lottery selection is not a guarantee of approval.

Applicants must also be wary of scams. The U.S. Department of State has warned of fraudulent emails and letters targeting lottery participants. These scams often involve requests for payment in exchange for “help” securing a visa. Official results can only be accessed through the State Department’s official “DV Entrant Status Check” portal, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in a sea of false offers and misinformation.

The Broader Implications of Cancellation

The potential elimination of the Diversity Visa Program would have far-reaching consequences for thousands of people around the globe. In 2023, nearly 22.2 million individuals applied for the program—a massive increase of almost eight million compared to the prior year. For many from underrepresented countries, this program is their only chance to immigrate to the United States. If the program were canceled, one of the most accessible pathways to permanent residency for individuals from these countries would come to an end.

The uncertainty surrounding the green card lottery adds additional stress for both current applicants and future hopefuls. Many individuals and their families are now grappling with the possibility that the opportunity could vanish before they complete the process. As the administration evaluates whether to cancel, limit, or overhaul the program, these individuals are left in limbo.

What Lies Ahead?

Looking to the future, there are several potential scenarios regarding the program’s fate. The Trump administration could push for legislative action to formally terminate it. If this route proves challenging, the administration may pursue policy changes or create additional barriers for applicants. Such actions would reinforce the administration’s broader focus on a merit-based immigration system.

Legal experts suggest that those currently applying or planning to apply for the green card lottery stay informed about developments that could affect the program. Consulting an immigration attorney might be a wise step for those navigating this uncertain landscape, as legal professionals can offer guidance tailored to applicants’ specific situations.

It is worth noting that, as of this writing, the green card lottery remains functional. The entry period for the 2026 lottery is expected to open on October 2, 2025. However, given President Trump’s well-documented opposition and the ongoing debate, its long-term survival remains at risk.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Diversity in U.S. Immigration

The Diversity Visa Program represents hope and possibility for millions of people around the world. Yet, under President Trump’s administration, that hope faces serious challenges. Trump’s consistent opposition to the program, combined with his efforts to reshape U.S. immigration policy, signal that the green card lottery could be on borrowed time.

As the debate continues, this could mark a turning point in U.S. immigration policy. Critics argue for reform or outright cancellation, while supporters emphasize the program’s vital role in fostering diversity within the American immigration system. For now, the program still represents one of the few accessible ways for individuals from underrepresented regions to gain permanent residency in the United States.

Ultimately, the coming years will determine whether the green card lottery continues as a beacon of opportunity or becomes a chapter in immigration history. Millions of potential immigrants—each with dreams of a new life in America—will be waiting anxiously for that answer. For official updates on green card lottery procedures and deadlines, applicants can visit the U.S. Department of State Diversity Visa Program page. For dependable information and further analysis, platforms like VisaVerge.com offer valuable resources on evolving immigration policy.

Learn Today

Diversity Visa Program → U.S. immigration program offering up to 55,000 visas annually to individuals from underrepresented countries.
Green Card Lottery → Another name for the Diversity Visa Program, emphasizing its random selection process for permanent residency opportunities.
Merit-Based Immigration System → Immigration approach prioritizing skills, education, and other qualifications over diversity or lottery-based selection.
Form DS-260 → Online application form required for immigrant visa applicants, including those selected through the Diversity Visa Program.
DV Entrant Status Check → Official State Department portal to check Diversity Visa Program lottery results and confirm selection status.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Diversity Visa Program, or green card lottery, offers hope to millions from underrepresented nations. Yet, under President Trump’s administration, it faces potential abolition. Critics demand merit-based alternatives, while supporters champion its role in promoting diversity. For now, it remains a fragile lifeline, its future teetering in uncertain political hands.
— By VisaVerge.com