Proposed Bill Threatens Diversity Visa Lottery Amid Rising National Security Concerns

FIRST ON FOX: Lawmakers from the Republican Party are moving to dismantle a government program that they assert compromises national security. This initiative allows a computer algorithm to randomly allocate visas to migrants through a lottery system, according to findings from Fox News Digital.

Understanding the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly referred to as the DV Program, operates under the auspices of the State Department. Each year, it holds a lottery that awards up to 55,000 green cards to immigrants, granting them permanent resident status through a completely random selection process.

Political Debate Surrounding the Program

This program has ignited a heated political debate, with lawmakers voicing substantial concerns regarding national security. Critics argue that randomly selecting immigrants for residency, rather than implementing a merit-based approach, could pose a risk to national safety and security.

New Legislation Introduced by GOP Lawmakers

Recently, Representative Mike Collins from Georgia introduced the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2025. This bill, unveiled first by Fox News Digital, aims to abolish the controversial visa lottery and prevent lottery winners from sponsoring family members for expedited green cards.

Collins’ Critique of the Program

Rep. Collins criticized the Diversity Visa Program, characterizing it as a pointless governmental gesture that facilitates an extensive chain migration system. He stated, “We’ve opened our country up to an almost endless system of chain migration while throwing a dart at the globe and letting faceless computer code determine a path to citizenship for 50,000 immigrants.”

Legislative Intent

Collins emphasized that abolishing the Visa Lottery is a matter of common sense. He asserted that this legislation will reform the existing immigration system, redirecting national priorities toward the America First immigration policies that he believes are essential for the country.

Eligibility Requirements for the DV Program

Under the current framework, the DV Program allows applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria to submit an application online. This includes individuals from nations with historically low immigration rates and those who have completed at least a high school education.

Incidents Intensifying Focus on National Security

The urgency to reevaluate the DV Program heightened significantly following the 2017 incident involving Sayfullo Saipov, a terrorist who entered the U.S. through the lottery in 2010. Saipov killed eight individuals in New York City by driving a truck into a crowd on Halloween. Furthermore, another accused terrorist, Akayed Ullah, also obtained a visa through the DV Program, as highlighted by Republican Senator John Boozman’s office.

Support for the Proposed Legislation

Support for the proposed legislation spans a number of Republican representatives, including Andy Ogles from Tennessee, Brandon Gill from Texas, Mike Haridopolos from Florida, Daniel Webster from Florida, Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin, and Troy Nehls from Texas.

Backing from Think Tanks and Advocacy Groups

This initiative has garnered endorsements from influential groups such as the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and Numbers USA, an organization focused on immigration reform.

A Vision for Future Immigration Policies

Ryan Walker, the Executive Vice President of Heritage Action, shared insights regarding the Visa Lottery at an event. He stated, “U.S. visa holders should represent the best and brightest immigrants from all over the world who share the commitment to advance American values.” Walker further argued that issuing visas based on arbitrary diversity quotas not only undermines national security but also limits opportunities for skilled individuals and dilutes genuine diversity.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

As this bill gains traction, it will likely face scrutiny and debate from both sides of the political spectrum. Proponents of the Diversity Visa Program may push back against the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pathway to residency for underrepresented populations.

Looking Ahead

The future of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program now hangs in the balance. With mounting national security concerns highlighted by recent events, the legislative process surrounding this bill will undoubtedly attract significant attention. As lawmakers continue to debate immigration reform, the implications of their decisions will shape the landscape of U.S. immigration policy in the coming years.