Green Card Lottery Program Suspended by Trump Admin

Published: Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:43 am

Trump Administration Suspends Green Card Lottery Following Brown University Shooting

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the suspension of the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, following a recent shooting at Brown University. The suspect, Claudio Valente, who is accused of killing two students and injuring nine others, entered the United States through the DV program in 2017. Authorities believe Valente also fatally shot an MIT professor.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the program will be paused to prevent further harm. The DV program, which awards up to 55,000 permanent resident visas annually, selects applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. through a lottery system. While there is no application fee, winners must meet specific education, work, and background requirements to receive a green card.

Valente, who had Portuguese roots, initially entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2000. He later became a lawful permanent resident in 2017. The exact year he applied for the DV program is currently unknown.

This is not the first time the program has faced scrutiny. President Trump previously sought to end the program, citing concerns about its potential security risks. He previously called for its elimination after a 2017 New York City truck attack carried out by a DV recipient. The program was suspended in 2020 but later reinstated.

BNN's Perspective:

While the tragic events at Brown University are deeply concerning, suspending the DV program requires careful consideration. The program provides opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to immigrate to the U.S. A balanced approach is needed, one that prioritizes both national security and the continued benefits of a diverse immigrant population. A thorough review of the program's vetting processes is warranted to ensure the safety of all Americans.

Keywords: Green Card Lottery, Diversity Visa, DV Program, Immigration, Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, Claudio Valente, Brown University, Shooting, Trump, Suspension, Permanent Resident, Visa, Security, MIT, Nuno Loureiro

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