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2.0

State Department proposes requiring diversity-visa applicants to verify passports

  1. Original Date Announced

    August 5, 2025

    The Department of State (DOS) seeks public comment on a proposed rule change that would require Diversity Immigrant Visa Program applicants to provide "valid, unexpired passport information" and a scan of the biographic and signature page, or show exemption from this requirement. DOS states that this proposed change is to "reduce fraud and aid in identity verification."

    The proposed rule would also change the text of 22 CFR part 42 by:

    • adding the word "shall" to instructions for consular officers on verifying applicants' work experience and collecting visa fees;
    • replacing the term "gender" with "sex" to align with EO 14168; and
    • replacing the term "age" with "date of birth."

    Comments are due on September 19, 2025.

    Trump 2.0 [#1915]

    2025.08.05 DOS Proposed Rule: Enhancing Vetting and Combatting Fraud in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
  2. Effective Date

    August 5, 2025

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Proposed
Trump Administration Action: Rule
Subject Matter: Immigrant Visas: Diversity
Agencies Affected: DOS Bureau of Consular Affairs

Commentary

  • 2025.08.18 American Immigration Council - The Trump Administration Moves to Reinstate Restrictions on Legal Immigration Proposed in First Term

    The American Immigration Council reports that the Trump administration is reviving several restrictive immigration policies from Trump's first term. These include expanding biometric data collection, ending "duration of status" for F, J, and I visa holders in favor of a four-year cap, reinstating a "visa bond" pilot program, and requiring Diversity Visa applicants to hold a valid passport at the time they apply for the Diversity Visa lottery.

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