Trump Halts Green Card Lottery After University Shooting Suspect's Arrival

President Trump has suspended the green card lottery programme, which allowed the Brown University and MIT shootings suspect to enter the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following Trump's directive, ordered a pause on the programme, which annually allocates 50,000 visas to underrepresented countries.

In a critical move, President Donald Trump has halted the green card lottery programme in response to the arrival of the suspect in the shootings at Brown University and MIT. The action was taken on Thursday, directing an immediate pause to a programme that has facilitated immigration for many worldwide.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the President's decision on the social platform X, asserting that the United States should never have allowed the individual involved in the shootings to enter the country. The programme's suspension marks a significant shift in the country's immigration policy.

The diversity visa programme historically offers up to 50,000 slots annually to underrepresented countries, mainly in Africa, creating pathways for nearly 20 million applicants each year. In the 2025 lottery, Portuguese citizens secured just 38 spots, reflecting the programme's competitive nature and wide appeal.

(With inputs from agencies.)