Diversity Visa Protection and Modernization Act

This bill aims to protect the integrity of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, a congressionally authorized initiative designed to promote diversity in lawful permanent immigration. Congress finds that program-wide or indefinite suspensions of this program exceed routine administrative discretion without explicit statutory authorization, undermining congressional intent and due process for selectees. Therefore, the legislation seeks to reaffirm congressional authority over the program and specifically prohibits the Secretary of State or Homeland Security from suspending, pausing, or stopping the issuance of Diversity Immigrant Visas program-wide. However, the bill allows for limited exceptions, such as country-specific or regional suspensions , case-by-case delays based on individualized security concerns, or a temporary program suspension not exceeding 60 days . Any such limitation requires prior notification to appropriate congressional committees, detailing the scope, rationale, and legal authority. This notification must also be publicly disclosed, ensuring transparency and accountability , and protects Diversity Immigrant Visa selectees from losing eligibility due to a temporary suspension.