Summary
President Trump is "pausing" the Diversity Visa program after a shooting incident involving Claudio Neves Valente, who entered the U.S. through this program. The pause follows President Trump’s historical stance against the Diversity Visa, advocating for a merit-based system instead. The program allows up to 55,000 visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
Key Facts
- President Trump announced a pause in the Diversity Visa program after a campus shooting incident.
- Claudio Neves Valente was the suspect in the shootings and had used the Diversity Visa program to become a lawful permanent resident.
- The Diversity Visa program was introduced in 1990 to promote immigration from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
- Annually, the program offers up to 55,000 visas, and applicants undergo extensive checks.
- Nearly 20 million people applied for the visa lottery for 2025, with over 131,000 selected, including family members.
- President Trump has consistently criticized the Diversity Visa program and preferred a merit-based immigration system.
