Editorial Note (Important Update): This article was updated on December 20, 2025, to include the latest executive directives issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding the suspension of the immigration lottery program, after we had already been tracking the registration opening delays since last October.
Millions of people dreaming of immigrating to the United States have lived in a state of anticipation since last October, when an unusual delay was recorded in the opening of the official registration website for the American immigration lottery. Initially, this was interpreted as a technical glitch or a temporary administrative delay. However, later developments revealed that the matter went beyond technical issues, reaching a direct political and executive directive that returned the Diversity Visa program to the center of security and legal controversy.
In this comprehensive report, we review the timeline of events, the legal background, and what has been officially confirmed so far — away from exaggeration or rumors.
Note: The information below reflects the official situation as of the update date, and may be subject to change according to what is issued by the relevant U.S. authorities.
A Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy: How and Why Was the Lottery Program Suspended?
In an unprecedented development in years, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced on Friday, December 19, 2025, the suspension of the Green Card Lottery / Diversity Visa program, based on direct instructions from U.S. President Donald Trump, according to what she stated on her official X account.
The Direct Cause and the Trigger: The decision came as a security response following the tragic shooting incident at Brown University in Rhode Island. Investigations revealed that the suspect entered U.S. territory through the diversity lottery program, sparking a wave of official outrage.
Official Statements: Secretary Noem stated via her official X account: "This heinous individual should never have been allowed into our country," announcing the suspension of the program to review security gaps.
Confirmation by News Agencies: Global agencies such as Reuters and the Associated Press (AP) reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had ordered U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to temporarily halt the program under the heading of reviewing security screening mechanisms.
Legal Background: Does the President Have the Authority to Suspend the Program?
Many are asking about the legality of this action. The current implementation relies on the broad executive powers granted to the President under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)).
This section grants the President the right to suspend the entry of any category of aliens if he deems their entry to be "detrimental to the interests of the United States." Indeed, the White House issued a Fact Sheet confirming an unprecedented move toward strengthening security vetting processes, which is the legal framework currently legitimizing the lottery's suspension.
This authority has previously been used in various security contexts, and today it is being employed as a legal framework to justify the temporary administrative suspension of the Diversity Visa program, without affecting the law itself, which was passed by Congress in 1990.
⚠️ Important legal note: As of the publication date of this report, no official Executive Order has been published in the Federal Register directly concerning the lottery program; what is currently available falls under executive directives and official statements.
Behind the Scenes Before the Storm: Why Was the DV-2027 Lottery Delayed in October?
Going back to mid-October, the "Path to America" blog noted an unusual delay in the opening of registration for the DV-2027 lottery. This delay was not isolated; it coincided with regulatory signals from the U.S. State Department and the Bureau of Consular Affairs, suggesting fundamental changes were in preparation.
The One-Dollar Fee and Application Filtering
A decision was published in the Federal Register ($1 Diversity Visa Registration Fee) adding a $1 registration fee per application, aimed at:
Passport Requirement and Scanning
According to immigration websites and specialized forums, the most notable potential technical and administrative reasons can be summarized as follows:
🔗 Analytical References:
📰 Reviewing the New Entry Requirements: The Proposed Passport Requirement
A "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)" was published indicating that the Department intends to add a requirement for a valid, non-expired passport for Diversity Visa Program registrants. They would be required to "provide passport information" in addition to a "scanned copy / digital scan of the identity and signature page of the passport" as part of the entry form.
The regulatory document published in the Federal Register under number "2025-14784" within 22 CFR 42.33(b) explains this proposal.
📌 Important note: As of now, this requirement has not yet come into effect — that is, it is at the proposal stage, and no final rule has been issued making it mandatory to upload or submit a passport scan as a condition for entering the lottery as of this date. The legal review of this proposal may be one of the main reasons for the delay in opening the website.
What Does This Mean for Current Applicants and Winners?
Based on reports from CBS News and State Department updates, here are the key points:
The Golden Advice from the "Path to America" Blog
We understand the level of concern millions of applicants are experiencing, but it's important to remember that the U.S. immigration system is built on a balance of powers. Executive decisions are often subject to challenge in federal courts, and may be legally suspended or amended.
🔔 Our sincere advice:
Beware of parties exploiting the current situation and requesting money under the pretext of "securing your application" or "bypassing the suspension." The only official registration website is the U.S. government website, and any claim otherwise is misleading.
We will continue to follow developments moment by moment, and will keep you informed of any official development as soon as it is issued from its approved sources. We hope registration will reopen in the coming days, offering a real chance to reach America 🇺🇸.