US Pauses Green Card Lottery Amid Security Review
The US State Department has suspended the issuance of Diversity Visas, also known as Green Card Lotteries, due to concerns over national security and public safety risks. The review follows two high-profile incidents in which individuals entered the country through the programme were linked to violent crimes.
Applicants can still submit applications, but attending an interview will not result in a Diversity Visa being issued during the pause. Existing appointments are generally not expected to be cancelled or rescheduled.
India is not eligible for the Diversity Visa programme as it has been excluded from recent programmes due to high levels of immigration to the US over the past five years.
However, some Indian applicants may qualify through another country of chargeability under specific rules, including certain circumstances involving a spouse or parent. These individuals should carefully check their eligibility before proceeding.