United StatesLimits program-wide suspensions of the Diversity Visa Program
This bill changes when and how the State Department or DHS can pause Diversity Visa processing, affecting applicants' expectations and oversight.
What it does
Prohibits program-wide suspension of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program except as explicitly allowed by the bill.
Permits country- or region-specific suspensions and case-by-case delays for individualized security, criminal, or eligibility concerns.
Allows a time-limited suspension up to 60 days with automatic resumption after that period, with required congressional notice.
Requires agencies to notify designated congressional committees at least 7 days before a country- or region-wide limitation and to publish the notice in the Federal Register (classified annexes allowed).
Protects individuals who already received diversity visas from losing eligibility because of a short suspension.
Argument forProtects applicants' reasonable expectations and due process by preventing indefinite, program-wide pauses that would cancel diversity visa opportunities.
Argument againstReduces executive flexibility to respond immediately to urgent national security or foreign policy crises by imposing a 7‑day notice requirement and limiting program-wide suspension.
Where do you stand?
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 25Introduced in HouseLatest
- Jun 25Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.Introduced
ImmigrationGovernment & EthicsNational Security