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Original Date Announced
December 19, 2025USCIS issued a policy memorandum (PM-602-0193) directing USCIS personnel to:
- Place a hold on all pending adjustment of status, ancillary benefits, and associated waiver applications for noncitizens applying for adjustment of status under the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program; and
- Conduct a comprehensive review of all policies, procedures, and screening and vetting processes for adjustment of status, ancillary benefits, and associated waiver applications by noncitizens seeking adjustment of status under the DV Program.
The memorandum mandates that all noncitizens with pending adjustment of status, ancillary benefits, and waiver applications undergo a thorough review process to “fully assess all national, criminal, and related grounds of inadmissibility and deportation.” The guidance further specifies which cases are subject to the hold and outlines factors to consider when assessing benefit eligibility. Any requests to lift the hold due to litigation or other extraordinary circumstances must receive approval from the USCIS Director or Deputy Director.
The memorandum states that the hold was issued at the direction of DHS Secretary Noem. It cites the December 2025 shootings at Brown University and of an MIT professor, allegedly committed by a noncitizen admitted under the DV Program.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2156]
2025.12.19 USCIS Policy Memorandum: Hold and Review of Pending USCIS Adjustment of Status Applications Filed by Aliens Under the Diversity Immigrant Visa ProgramEffective Date
December 19, 2025Subsequent Trump and Court Action
December 23, 20252025.12.23 DOS - Diversity Visa Issuance Updated Guidance
DOS announced that effective immediately, it has paused issuance of all diversity visas for national security and public safety reasons. Applicants may submit visa applications, as well as schedule and attend interviews, but no diversity visas will be issued.
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Immigrant Visas: DiversityAssociated or Derivative Policies
- January 20, 2025 EO 14161: "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats"
- August 5, 2025 State Department proposes requiring diversity-visa applicants to verify passports
- September 16, 2025 DOS implements $1 fee for Diversity Visa Lottery
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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