Republican Lawmakers Push to End Diversity Visa Program Amid Security Concerns

FIRST ON FOX: Republican lawmakers are ramping up efforts to abolish a government program that they claim “undermines national security.” This move comes in the wake of concerns regarding the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which utilizes a lottery system to randomly distribute visas to migrants.

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program Explained

Administered by the State Department, the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) holds an annual lottery, granting up to 55,000 green cards to immigrants who meet the eligibility criteria. This program aims to promote diversity by providing opportunities for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.

Political Debate Surrounding the DV Program

Since its inception, the DV Program has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers who argue that a random selection process for residency is less secure compared to a merit-based system. Critics contend that selecting individuals at random could potentially allow in those who pose security threats.

On Wednesday, Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) introduced the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2025, a bill aimed at terminating the visa lottery. This legislation also seeks to restrict lottery winners from immediately sponsoring family members for preferential green cards.

Concerns Over National Security

“The Diversity Visa Program is a needless exercise in government virtue signaling,” Collins stated, emphasizing that the program opens the floodgates to what he calls an “almost endless system of chain migration.” He criticized the selection process as being akin to “throwing a dart at the globe” and allowing “faceless computer code” to dictate paths to citizenship for thousands of immigrants.

Collins added that his bill is a step towards “commonsense” immigration reform that re-aligns the nation’s priorities with what he terms “America First” policies.

How the Program Operates

To participate in the DV Program, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include coming from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. and having completed at least a high school education. The application process is conducted online, and the selection is randomized, raising further concerns about the vetting process for applicants.

Previous Incidents Fueling Criticism

The issue took center stage in 2017 when Sayfullo Saipov, a winner of the visa lottery, committed a terrorist attack by driving a truck into a crowd in New York, killing eight individuals. Saipov had received residency through the program in 2010, sparking renewed criticism about the potential dangers associated with the lottery system. Another individual, Akayed Ullah, who was accused of terrorism, was also granted a visa through the DV Program, further intensifying calls for reform.

Bipartisan Support for Change

The proposed legislation has garnered support from several Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas, Rep. Mike Haridopolos of Florida, Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida, Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin, and Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas. This bipartisan backing underscores the growing concerns among various factions within the party regarding the DV Program’s efficacy and safety.

Endorsements from Think Tanks

The initiative to abolish the DV Program has also attracted the attention of conservative think tanks. The Heritage Foundation and Numbers USA, a prominent immigration reform group, have both expressed their support for the bill. Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President of Heritage Action, stated that “U.S. visa holders should represent the best and brightest immigrants from all over the world who share the commitment to advance American values.” He criticized the current visa lottery system, claiming that it undermines national security, restricts opportunities for skilled talent, and fails to foster genuine diversity.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Debate

As the discussion around the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program continues, it remains clear that national security and immigration reform are pressing issues that lawmakers are keen to address. The proposed legislation by Rep. Collins is an effort to reshape immigration policies in a way that proponents argue aligns more closely with the values and security of the nation.

While the future of the DV Program hangs in the balance, the confrontation illustrates the broader debate about immigration in America, highlighting differing philosophies on how best to balance national security with the ideals of diversity and opportunity that are foundational to the country.