Congress·In Committee·H.R. 1241

House Bill Proposes Eliminating Diversity Visa Program for 50,000 Immigrants Annually

SAFE for America Act of 2025

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

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Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill would permanently end the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which is commonly known as the "green card lottery." This program currently gives people from countries with low immigration rates a chance to move to the United States and become permanent residents.
From policy text
“To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the diversity immigrant program.”
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If this becomes law, the government would stop giving out the 50,000 visas currently reserved for this program every year. The change would officially take effect on October 1, 2025.
From policy text
“The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2025.”
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The bill aims to change the Immigration and Nationality Act by removing the specific section that allows for these "diversity" visas. It does not affect other ways people can immigrate to the U.S., such as through family members or specific job offers.
From policy text
“Section 203 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153) is amended by striking subsection (c).”
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This move would impact millions of people worldwide who apply for the lottery each year. Supporters of the change often argue the lottery system is a security risk, while opponents say it is a vital way to keep the American population diverse.

Immigration

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Feb 12, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Feb 12, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

3 articles

New York Times·3 months ago

Trump Administration Pauses Diversity Immigration Program After Brown Shooting

The Trump administration announced an immediate pause of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program following a shooting at Brown University. Legal experts noted that while the president can bar entry for security reasons, permanent termination requires congressional action via the SAFE for America Act.

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Boundless·3 months ago

Trump Suspends Green Card Lottery After Brown University and MIT Shootings

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered an immediate halt to the Diversity Visa program at President Trump's direction. The move creates uncertainty for millions of applicants and raises questions about the administration's legal authority to bypass Congress and the SAFE for America Act.

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The Center Square·3 months ago

Bill introduced to end diversity visa program, restrict other immigration pathways

Legislation known as the SAFE for America Act has been highlighted as a key component of the administration's plan to reform the immigration system. The bill would permanently repeal the diversity lottery, which currently awards 50,000 visas annually to individuals from low-immigration countries.

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