URGENT UPDATE: The Trump administration has suspended the green card lottery following a tragic mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island that left two dead and nine injured. This decision comes after authorities confirmed that the shooter, Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old from Portugal, entered the U.S. via the diversity visa program in 2017.
Late on Thursday, police identified Valente as the gunman who opened fire in an Ivy League building, marking a devastating incident for the university community. Just two days later, he allegedly murdered Nuno Loureiro, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whom he had previously studied under.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on social media that, at President Trump’s direction, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will pause the diversity visa lottery program to prevent further tragedies. “We must ensure no more Americans are harmed by this disastrous program,” Noem stated.
The timing of this cancellation aligns with the administration’s push to monetize U.S. immigration. On Friday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that the U.S. generated $1.3 billion in just a few days through the sale of “Trump Gold Cards.” These cards grant permanent residency for a hefty price, requiring a $15,000 Homeland Security processing fee, a background check, and a $1 million contribution to the U.S.
Furthermore, the administration is set to introduce a “Trump Platinum Card,” demanding a $15,000 processing fee and a $5 million contribution. This card will allow non-U.S. taxpayers to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days without incurring taxes on foreign income.
The green card lottery, which began in 1995, has been a gateway for many foreign nationals seeking U.S. residency and work authorization without cost. It has provided up to 55,000 visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. This program was notably popular among Europeans.
Critics argue that this latest move continues the administration’s trend of restricting immigration, especially from Arab and African nations. Earlier this week, Trump expanded an existing ban to include holders of Palestinian Authority passports, framing it as a national security measure. Opponents say it disproportionately impacts individuals from Muslim-majority regions.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the administration’s next steps regarding immigration policy. The repercussions of this decision will likely resonate throughout communities across the country and abroad. Stay tuned for updates.
