[Breaking News] U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery Suspended: What It Means for International Students and Your Future
Introduction
New York City and the rest of the nation are currently processing a major shift in U.S. immigration policy.
On December 18, 2025, the Trump administration announced the immediate suspension of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the “Green Card Lottery.” This decision follows a tragic incident at the Ivy League’s Brown University that has sparked a nationwide debate on national security and immigration vetting.
At NYEA (New York English Academy), we want to ensure our students are informed about how these changes—and current immigration trends—affect your journey in the United States.
1. The Trigger: The Brown University Shooting
The decision to pause this long-standing program was a direct response to the shooting on December 13, 2025, at Brown University and near MIT.
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The Incident: A suspect (a Portuguese national) opened fire on campus, resulting in the tragic death of two students and injuries to several others.
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The Connection: Investigators discovered that the suspect had entered the United States and obtained his Green Card in 2017 through the Diversity Visa Lottery.
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The Policy Shift: Citing “serious flaws in national security,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, under President Trump’s direction, ordered a “pause” on the program to prevent further risks.
2. Why the “Lottery System” is Being Targeted
The administration has long criticized the lottery system, favoring a transition toward a “Merit-Based” immigration model. The recent events have accelerated this policy goal. The primary concerns cited are:
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Vetting Limitations: Critics of the lottery argue that choosing immigrants at random makes it difficult to conduct the deep-level background checks required for national security.
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Shift to Skills and Education: The administration aims to prioritize immigrants with specific professional skills, high education levels, and English proficiency rather than relying on a random drawing.
3. Real Talk: How Long Does a Green Card Take?
While the lottery is currently on hold, many NYEA students are pursuing permanent residency through other legal channels, such as Family Sponsorship or Employment-Based visas.
It is important to understand the typical timelines for these “non-lottery” paths in 2025:
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Marriage/Family Based: 10 to 18 months.
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Employment-Based (EB-2/EB-3): 2 to 3+ years.
4. Critical Advice: Maintaining Your F-1 Status During the Process
If you are an F-1 student currently applying for an Adjustment of Status (I-485), the recent news serves as a vital reminder: Do not stop maintaining your F-1 student status.
Why Your F-1 Status is Your “Safety Net”
Even after you file your Green Card application, you are legally allowed to remain in the U.S. while it is “pending.” However, if your application is denied for any reason—and you have already stopped attending school—you will lose your legal right to stay in the U.S. immediately.
By maintaining your F-1 status at NYEA, you ensure:
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A Backup Plan: If your Green Card is denied, you remain a legal student and can stay to complete your studies or apply for another visa.
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A Clean Record: Maintaining status shows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you are a law-abiding resident who follows all visa regulations.
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Active SEVIS Record: Keeping your SEVIS record active is the best way to avoid “unlawful presence” issues.
A Message from NYEA
The U.S. immigration landscape is changing, shifting toward stricter vetting and higher standards for skills and education. In this environment, your education is your greatest asset. By staying in school, improving your English, and following all visa rules, you are building a profile that is “vetted” and “merit-based”—exactly what the U.S. government is looking for in future residents.
Stay focused on your goals, keep your status secure, and remember that NYEA is here to support your American dream every step of the way.