The U.S. Diversity Immigration Visa Program is nothing new. It was established as part of the Immigration Act of 1990 and was signed into law by George H.W. Bush, a Republican. The program makes up to 55,000 permanent resident visas available annually for individuals from countries with low immigration rates.

Those chosen through a lottery system have the opportunity to apply for a green card and are thoroughly vetted before entering the United States.    

U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta’s preliminary injunction orders that the administration open registration by November 1, 2026. This order comes after the State Department delayed the program, which led to a legal challenge.