DV News: USCIS Suspends Approvals of Pending Diversity Visa Adjustment Applications, DOS Suspends Issuance of Immigrant Visas

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is temporarily pausing the processing of adjustment of status applications for Diversity Visa Lottery winners, and related filings, following the recent shootings in New England.

This was announced in a brief social media post by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem shortly after the alleged shooter was identified.

While the Diversity Visa (DV) program is administered by the State Department, USCIS is responsible for adjudicating green card adjustment applications and related filings submitted by DV lottery selectees who are already in the United States.

Before Secretary Noem’s announcement, parts of the DV Lottery program have been placed on hold for several months. The start of the DV-2027 program has been delayed since early November.

Security Vetting for Pending Diversity Visa Lottery Green Card Applicants

USCIS plans to conduct a review of pending diversity visa adjustment of status applications, including:

Screening against terrorist databases
Reviewing whether the applicant has been or is connected to activities, individuals, or organizations that pose national security or criminal concerns
Reviewing whether the applicant is or has been involved with activities, individuals, or organizations that pose serious risks to the community due to criminal conduct, mental health issues, or national security concerns and
Determining whether the foreign national is able to establish their identity.

Pause on Immigrant Visa Issuance for DV Lottery Winners

Following USCIS’s announcement, the State Department temporarily suspended the issuance of DV immigrant visas at U.S. embassies and consulates to review its screening and vetting procedures. The review aims to ensure that DV applicants’ identities and eligibility are properly verified and that they do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

The State Department confirmed that previously issued DV visas remain valid and that it will continue to accept applications and conduct interviews, but no new DV visas will be issued during the pause.

How the USCIS Hold Affects DV Applicants

The USCIS hold on pending diversity visa adjustment applications and related filings allows the agency to continue processing cases, but final decisions will remain suspended until the hold is lifted by the USCIS Director.

This suspension affects not only adjustment applications but also related filings for employment authorization and advance parole, likely causing significant delays that impact applicants’ ability to work and travel internationally.

Unlike most green card applicants, diversity visa lottery winners face a deadline. Their applications must be approved by the end of the fiscal year (September 30) or they lose eligibility. Prolonged USCIS and State Department holds could therefore have serious consequences for those seeking permanent residence through the diversity visa program.

The Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick is monitoring developments closely and will provide updates as the situation evolves.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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