Lawsuit challenges Trump's attacks on diversity visa lottery
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A class-action lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's freeze of the diversity visa lottery program will decide the future of hundreds who sought a shot at building a life in the United States.
- That includes a couple in Somerville who want to raise their baby here.
The big picture: The Trump administration's second attempt to stop the diversity visa lottery program has left thousands in limbo — in some cases, after paying a month's worth of income in fees, said Curtis Morrison, an attorney representing plaintiffs.
- The lawsuit will determine the future of at least 1,622 people from 72 countries awaiting interviews — and a yes or no from the U.S. — before their round ends Sept. 30.
Catch up quick: The Trump administration paused the program in December after learning the Brown University shooter, a Portuguese national, had initially entered the country through the lottery.
- Then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared the freeze in a post on X.
- The plaintiffs filed their lawsuit last month in Washington, D.C., challenging the program's suspension and the feds' failure to administer some visas.
- 65 plaintiffs live in the U.S. through other visas or designations.
What they're saying: "They're not issuing the visas, but they are taking their money," said Morrison, the attorney who filed the lawsuit.
The other side: The State Department said it doesn't comment on pending litigation and referred Axios to the Department of Homeland Security for an answer on Noem's declaration.
- DHS referred Axios to the State Department for comment.
Zoom in: The Somerville couple, who asked not to be identified by name, paid thousands of dollars during the process and were selected.
- They're still awaiting final word from the federal government on a visa, which would give them lawful permanent residency.
- For now, one is working on a temporary H-1B visa, while the other has permission to live, but not work, in the country, despite having a master's degree and a teacher's license.
What we're watching: This round of the program expires on Sept. 30, the end of fiscal 2026.
- It's unclear whether the judge will rule beforehand.