New U.S. Bill Seeks to End Green Card Lottery Programme Used by Thousands of Kenyans

A new bill introduced in the United States Congress seeks to abolish the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, which offers eligible applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates a chance to obtain permanent residency in the U.S.

The proposal was introduced by Texas Representative Keith Self, who argues that the programme has weaknesses in identity verification and is vulnerable to fraud. He called for its termination, raising concerns about the screening procedures used to assess applicants.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act by removing the legal provision that establishes the diversity visa programme. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for consideration, with further review possible by the relevant immigration subcommittee.

However, the proposal does not mean the programme has been abolished. For it to become law, it must pass through the required legislative process, including approval by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, before being presented to the U.S. President.

The development comes amid uncertainty surrounding the programme following a temporary pause in the issuance of diversity visas by the U.S. State Department as officials reviewed screening and vetting procedures. The situation has raised concerns among applicants who hope to secure opportunities to live and work permanently in the country.

Kenya remains among the countries whose citizens participate in the annual lottery. According to figures cited in the report, 3,949 prospective applicants from Kenya, including selected entrants and their spouses and children, were registered among those selected for the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery.

The programme allows eligible individuals to enter during the designated registration period and undergo a random selection process. Applicants must meet the required education or work experience criteria and, if selected, complete further steps, including submitting documents, undergoing background checks and attending an interview.

Selection, however, does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa. Applicants must satisfy all immigration requirements, and visas are issued subject to eligibility and availability.

If the proposed bill progresses and becomes law, it could significantly change the immigration options available to Kenyans and other eligible applicants who rely on the lottery as a possible route to permanent residence in the United States. For now, the proposal remains subject to the U.S. legislative process.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E78xdTb9R/

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