U.S. moves to scrap Diversity Visa Lottery Programme

A United States lawmaker has introduced a bill seeking to abolish the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme, which provides a pathway to permanent residency for people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the country. 

Texas Representative Keith Self called for the programme to be scrapped, citing alleged fraud and weaknesses in its identity verification measures.

“I just introduced a bill to terminate the Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery, a programme that gives 55,000 green cards a year to foreigners from third-world countries and is riddled with fraud and weak identity checks,” he said.

According to the legislative documents, the proposal seeks to amend the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act by removing the provision governing the diversity visa programme.

The bill has been referred to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary for review and could subsequently be assigned to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, which handles immigration-related legislation.

Ministry of Health confirms second Ebola death in Kenya

I waited, still waiting’: Gideon Moi on talks with Ruto during Baringo Senate by-election

Equity Bank staff charged with attempted theft after unauthorised access

World Marathon Champion Peres Jepchirchir suspended by AIU

If it advances, it would need to be approved by the full House of Representatives and the Senate before being sent to the President for approval.

“A Bill to terminate the diversity immigrant visa programme. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,” the document stated.

There are ongoing legal and policy disputes over the programme, following a federal court ruling in August that temporarily blocked several Trump administration policies affecting visa processing and issuance. 

However, the U.S. State Department had temporarily paused the issuance of all Diversity Visas to review its screening and vetting procedures, which left applicants in uncertainty ahead of the September 30 deadline for the DV-2026 programme.

The proposal comes as the programme continues to attract thousands of applicants seeking opportunities to live and work permanently in the U.S. 

7 people missing after Eastleigh building collapse

PS Mary Muthoni appointed to chair Africa CDC immunisation task force

Kenyatta University issues clarification over resumption of classes

Raila Junior takes swipe at Sifuna over ODM exit

People feared trapped after multi-storey building collapses in Eastleigh