Summary
The U.S. State Department has proposed adding a $1 registration fee for the Diversity Visa lottery program. This change aims to cover program costs and reduce false registrations. The department plans to implement this change 30 days after the notice is published.
Key Facts
- The U.S. State Department wants to add a $1 fee to register for the Diversity Visa lottery program.
- Currently, only those selected through the program pay a fee.
- The Diversity Visa program grants 55,000 visas each year, mainly to people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
- The proposed fee would cover the costs of running the program and help prevent false registrations.
- The State Department plans to implement the fee change 30 days after giving notice.
- Selected lottery entrants must pay a separate, nonrefundable $330 fee during the application process.
- The proposed change is part of broader immigration policy shifts under President Donald Trump, including moving toward a merit-based system.
- There are concerns that increased fees could discourage immigration and affect business activities in the U.S.
