Migrants at risk of losing green card lottery if GOP House wins fight
Republican lawmakers are taking steps to eliminate a government program that they believe poses a threat to national security. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the DV Program, is under fire for its practice of randomly distributing visas to migrants through a lottery system. This program, run by the State Department, grants up to 55,000 green cards annually to immigrants who are selected through a randomized draw.
Critics of the DV Program argue that the lottery system undermines national security by allowing a “faceless computer code” to determine who receives residency in the United States. Instead of a merit-based selection process, migrants are chosen at random, raising concerns about the potential for individuals with malicious intent to slip through the cracks.
In response to these concerns, Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., has introduced the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2025. This bill aims to end the visa lottery and prevent lottery winners from immediately sponsoring family members for preferential green cards. Collins believes that the current system of randomly selecting immigrants for residency is unnecessary and does not prioritize the best interests of the United States.
The DV Program allows applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to apply for green cards. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as completing at least a high school education. However, critics argue that this process is flawed and can result in individuals with harmful intentions gaining entry into the country.
The push to end the visa lottery comes after several instances where individuals who were granted residency through the program were later involved in terrorist activities. Lawmakers point to cases such as Sayfullo Saipov, who killed eight people in New York in 2017, and Akayed Ullah as examples of the potential dangers of the DV Program.
Support for the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2025 extends beyond Republican lawmakers. Conservative organizations such as the Heritage Foundation and Numbers USA have also voiced their support for the bill. They argue that issuing visas based on arbitrary diversity quotas undermines national security and fails to promote true diversity in the United States.
In conclusion, the debate over the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program continues to be a contentious issue among lawmakers and advocates. While the program aims to promote diversity and provide opportunities for immigrants, critics argue that it poses a significant threat to national security. The introduction of the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2025 is a step towards reforming the immigration system and prioritizing the safety and security of the United States.
