The Trump administration on Thursday ordered an immediate suspension of the United States’ diversity visa lottery programme, citing national security concerns following deadly shootings at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The directive was issued by the Department of Homeland Security after authorities confirmed that the suspect in the attacks had entered the country through the diversity visa programme, also known as the green card lottery.
Homeland Security
The Trump administration on Thursday ordered an immediate suspension of the United States’ diversity visa lottery programme, citing national security concerns following deadly shootings at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The directive was issued by the Department of Homeland Security after authorities confirmed that the suspect in the attacks had entered the country through the diversity visa programme, also known as the green card lottery.
Homeland Security
The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of Green Cards held by permanent residents from 19 designated “countries of concern” after a deadly shooting near the White House left one National Guard member dead and another injured. The directive, issued by President Donald Trump, instructs US Citizenship and Immigration Services to reassess existing Green Cards and tighten vetting standards for residents originating from these nations. Officials described the Washington attack as an act of terror, citing the suspected assailant’s Afghan nationality as a factor prompting immediate policy action.
Under the updated USCIS guidance, agency officers may now treat an applicant’s country of origin as a significant adverse factor when assessing eligibility for immigration benefits. This marks a notable shift in the approach to immigration review, as the order applies not only to new applicants but also to long-term permanent residents whose Green Cards were approved under earlier administrations. The list of 19 countries includes Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These countries mirror those identified in a June presidential proclamation that imposed full or partial entry suspensions.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the policy aims to strengthen national security by giving officers broader discretion to weigh security concerns. He emphasized that ensuring stringent screening remains a core responsibility of the agency, stressing that the safety of American citizens is paramount. According to Edlow, the updated guidance directly responds to the Washington shooting and reflects the administration’s belief that previous vetting procedures were weakened in recent years.
The shooting suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement initiative created after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Lakanwal had served alongside US Special Forces and spent more than a decade as a soldier in the Afghan army. Authorities said the incident has reignited debate surrounding resettlement programmes for individuals from conflict-affected regions, especially those relocated under emergency evacuation procedures.
While the revised review process affects a wide group of nationalities, officials confirmed that Indian Green Card holders will not be impacted. However, immigration experts noted that the move forms part of a broader tightening of immigration policy that could signal further enforcement actions in the coming months. They cautioned that the directive underscores a continued shift toward heightened scrutiny of immigrants from nations perceived as high-risk, particularly in cases involving national security.
The comprehensive review is expected to unfold over the coming months as USCIS examines existing records and evaluates cases under the strengthened criteria. Officials maintain that the updated policy is designed to close gaps in the vetting process, asserting that national security concerns necessitate more rigorous oversight of immigration status for individuals from the identified countries. The directive marks one of the administration’s most extensive actions on immigration security since the presidential proclamation earlier this year.
The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of Green Cards held by permanent residents from 19 designated “countries of concern” after a deadly shooting near the White House left one National Guard member dead and another injured. The directive, issued by President Donald Trump, instructs US Citizenship and Immigration Services to reassess existing Green Cards and tighten vetting standards for residents originating from these nations. Officials described the Washington attack as an act of terror, citing the suspected assailant’s Afghan nationality as a factor prompting immediate policy action.
Under the updated USCIS guidance, agency officers may now treat an applicant’s country of origin as a significant adverse factor when assessing eligibility for immigration benefits. This marks a notable shift in the approach to immigration review, as the order applies not only to new applicants but also to long-term permanent residents whose Green Cards were approved under earlier administrations. The list of 19 countries includes Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These countries mirror those identified in a June presidential proclamation that imposed full or partial entry suspensions.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the policy aims to strengthen national security by giving officers broader discretion to weigh security concerns. He emphasized that ensuring stringent screening remains a core responsibility of the agency, stressing that the safety of American citizens is paramount. According to Edlow, the updated guidance directly responds to the Washington shooting and reflects the administration’s belief that previous vetting procedures were weakened in recent years.
The shooting suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement initiative created after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Lakanwal had served alongside US Special Forces and spent more than a decade as a soldier in the Afghan army. Authorities said the incident has reignited debate surrounding resettlement programmes for individuals from conflict-affected regions, especially those relocated under emergency evacuation procedures.
While the revised review process affects a wide group of nationalities, officials confirmed that Indian Green Card holders will not be impacted. However, immigration experts noted that the move forms part of a broader tightening of immigration policy that could signal further enforcement actions in the coming months. They cautioned that the directive underscores a continued shift toward heightened scrutiny of immigrants from nations perceived as high-risk, particularly in cases involving national security.
The comprehensive review is expected to unfold over the coming months as USCIS examines existing records and evaluates cases under the strengthened criteria. Officials maintain that the updated policy is designed to close gaps in the vetting process, asserting that national security concerns necessitate more rigorous oversight of immigration status for individuals from the identified countries. The directive marks one of the administration’s most extensive actions on immigration security since the presidential proclamation earlier this year.
Washington: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of automatic extensions for certain Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), a policy change that will have significant consequences for thousands of foreign professionals, students, and asylum seekers working in the country. The change, effective October 30, removes the automatic renewal grace period that previously allowed eligible workers to continue employment while their EAD renewal applications w
Washington: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of automatic extensions for certain Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), a policy change that will have significant consequences for thousands of foreign professionals, students, and asylum seekers working in the country. The change, effective October 30, removes the automatic renewal grace period that previously allowed eligible workers to continue employment while their EAD renewal applications w
A significant policy change by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to impact thousands of foreign professionals working across the country. Beginning October 30, 2025, the DHS will end the automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a move that could temporarily leave many workers without legal permission to work while their renewal applications are processed.
Until now, employees whose work permits had expired but whose renew
A significant policy change by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to impact thousands of foreign professionals working across the country. Beginning October 30, 2025, the DHS will end the automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a move that could temporarily leave many workers without legal permission to work while their renewal applications are processed.
Until now, employees whose work permits had expired but whose renew
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board.
The origina
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board.
The origina
Thousands of Indian students studying in the United States are facing growing uncertainty over their post-graduation career prospects as new immigration policies and enforcement actions threaten the stability of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa systems. The OPT program has long served as a bridge for international students transitioning from study to work, but recent developments suggest that this once-reliable path may soon become more complex and costly.
The anx
Thousands of Indian students studying in the United States are facing growing uncertainty over their post-graduation career prospects as new immigration policies and enforcement actions threaten the stability of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa systems. The OPT program has long served as a bridge for international students transitioning from study to work, but recent developments suggest that this once-reliable path may soon become more complex and costly.
The anx
The United States government has announced a significant escalation in its immigration oversight, with the Department of State confirming that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid US visas. This large-scale review aims to identify potential violations of immigration rules or security threats that could make an individual ineligible to remain in the country. Officials have indicated that the move forms part of an
The United States government has announced a significant escalation in its immigration oversight, with the Department of State confirming that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid US visas. This large-scale review aims to identify potential violations of immigration rules or security threats that could make an individual ineligible to remain in the country. Officials have indicated that the move forms part of an
Indians and other immigrants hoping to live and work legally in the United States will now face a new obstacle with the introduction of an anti Americanism screening. The policy, announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, instructs immigration officers to evaluate whether green card applicants have ever endorsed, supported, or promoted anti American, antisemitic, or terrorist views. Officials argue that this screening is necessary to protect the
Indians and other immigrants hoping to live and work legally in the United States will now face a new obstacle with the introduction of an anti Americanism screening. The policy, announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, instructs immigration officers to evaluate whether green card applicants have ever endorsed, supported, or promoted anti American, antisemitic, or terrorist views. Officials argue that this screening is necessary to protect the
The U nonimmigrant visa, commonly known as the U visa, is a special immigration benefit offered by the United States to noncitizens who have been victims of certain serious crimes and are willing to assist law enforcement or government agencies in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. Established under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the primary goal of the U visa program is to support both public safety and humanitarian needs. It provides a way for
The U nonimmigrant visa, commonly known as the U visa, is a special immigration benefit offered by the United States to noncitizens who have been victims of certain serious crimes and are willing to assist law enforcement or government agencies in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. Established under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the primary goal of the U visa program is to support both public safety and humanitarian needs. It provides a way for
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently facing one of the largest processing backlogs in its history, with pending immigration cases surging to a record 11.3 million. This growing crisis in the federal immigration system is being attributed to a mix of outdated processing models, staffing shortages, and a shift in federal policy approaches over recent years.
Immigration attorneys and experts say that the seeds of the current situation were so
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently facing one of the largest processing backlogs in its history, with pending immigration cases surging to a record 11.3 million. This growing crisis in the federal immigration system is being attributed to a mix of outdated processing models, staffing shortages, and a shift in federal policy approaches over recent years.
Immigration attorneys and experts say that the seeds of the current situation were so
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is launching a widespread crackdown on fraudulent EB-1A visa applications, particularly targeting individuals who may have manipulated their profiles using low-quality publications, fake citations, and questionable awards. Immigration attorney Rahul Reddy recently revealed that several EB-1A petitions—mostly filed by Indian nationals—are being reopened and reviewed, with some already facing rev
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is launching a widespread crackdown on fraudulent EB-1A visa applications, particularly targeting individuals who may have manipulated their profiles using low-quality publications, fake citations, and questionable awards. Immigration attorney Rahul Reddy recently revealed that several EB-1A petitions—mostly filed by Indian nationals—are being reopened and reviewed, with some already facing rev
House Republicans have unveiled a legislative proposal that could significantly raise the costs associated with legal immigration in the United States. Central to the plan is a provision that would require individuals applying for asylum to pay a fee of $1,000, a notable shift in policy given that such applications have traditionally been exempt from high costs due to the vulnerable status of asylum seekers. In addition, the proposal includes a $500 fee for work authorization permits, to be rene
House Republicans have unveiled a legislative proposal that could significantly raise the costs associated with legal immigration in the United States. Central to the plan is a provision that would require individuals applying for asylum to pay a fee of $1,000, a notable shift in policy given that such applications have traditionally been exempt from high costs due to the vulnerable status of asylum seekers. In addition, the proposal includes a $500 fee for work authorization permits, to be rene
Foreign professionals looking to work in the United States are preparing for the upcoming 2026 H-1B visa season, which introduces key changes to the registration and selection process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the H-1B visa registration period will open on March 7, 2025, and close by March 24, 2025. During this time, employers can submit registrations for potential beneficiaries. Under the revised selection process,
Foreign professionals looking to work in the United States are preparing for the upcoming 2026 H-1B visa season, which introduces key changes to the registration and selection process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the H-1B visa registration period will open on March 7, 2025, and close by March 24, 2025. During this time, employers can submit registrations for potential beneficiaries. Under the revised selection process,
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has received enough H-1B visa petitions to meet the annual cap. The cap includes 65,000 visas for regular applicants and an additional 20,000 for individuals holding US advanced degrees. With the lottery system in place for processing petitions once the cap is exceeded, many applicants will be notified if they were not selected.
USCIS will send out non-selection notices through online accounts, with the
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has received enough H-1B visa petitions to meet the annual cap. The cap includes 65,000 visas for regular applicants and an additional 20,000 for individuals holding US advanced degrees. With the lottery system in place for processing petitions once the cap is exceeded, many applicants will be notified if they were not selected.
USCIS will send out non-selection notices through online accounts, with the
