The United States has temporarily suspended its Diversity Visa (DV) green card lottery program following revelations that the suspect behind a deadly mass shooting at Brown University entered the country through the scheme. The decision, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has reignited debate over immigration vetting processes and national security. The move comes amid public outrage after a violent attack at the Ivy League institution left students and faculty shaken, and questions emerged about how the suspect gained permanent residency in the United States.
Details of the Brown University Attack
According to US authorities, the suspect, Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national, allegedly stormed a building at Brown University on December 13 while students were sitting for examinations. He reportedly opened fire, killing two students and injuring nine others. The attack sent shockwaves through the university community and prompted an immediate lockdown as law enforcement agencies launched a large-scale response.
Investigators further allege that Neves Valente was responsible for a second killing just days later. On December 15, he is accused of fatally shooting a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), escalating fears that he was carrying out a targeted series of attacks across academic institutions.
Suspect’s Immigration Background Revealed
Following the attacks, US Homeland Security officials disclosed that Neves Valente entered the United States in 2017 through the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV1) program, commonly known as the green card lottery. He was subsequently granted lawful permanent residency. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared the information on social media, stating that the suspect’s immigration pathway raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the program’s screening mechanisms. She described the incident as a tragic failure and emphasized that the administration would take immediate action to prevent similar cases in the future.
Trump Administration Orders Immediate Suspension
Secretary Noem announced that, acting on the direction of President Donald Trump, the US government had ordered the immediate suspension of the DV1 green card lottery.
At the president’s direction, I am instructing US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to pause the Diversity Visa program to ensure no more Americans are put at risk
Secretary NoemShe added that the suspect “should never have been allowed into the country,” framing the suspension as a necessary step to protect public safety while authorities reassess the program.
Manhunt Ends in Suspect’s Death
After the shootings, law enforcement agencies launched a days-long manhunt across multiple states. On Thursday evening, police confirmed that Claudio Neves Valente was found dead from suicide, bringing the search to an end. Officials stated that no further threat to the public remained, though investigations into the attacks and the suspect’s background are ongoing.
What Is the US Green Card Lottery?
The Diversity Visa program is administered by the US State Department and offers up to 55,000 permanent resident visas each year. The initiative is designed to promote immigration from countries that historically send fewer migrants to the United States.
To qualify, applicants must meet minimum education or work requirements, including at least a high school diploma or two years of specialized training or work experience. Selected applicants also undergo background checks, interviews, and security screening before receiving visas. Despite these measures, critics argue that the program remains vulnerable to abuse, while supporters insist that it has successfully enabled legal immigration for millions without incident.
Renewed Debate on Immigration Policy
The suspension of the green card lottery is expected to spark renewed political and legal debate in Washington. Immigration advocates warn that halting the program could unfairly penalize thousands of legitimate applicants, while security-focused lawmakers argue that public safety must take precedence.
As investigations continue, the White House has not indicated how long the suspension will remain in effect or whether the program could be permanently scrapped or restructured. For now, the tragic events at Brown University have placed the Diversity Visa program under intense scrutiny, marking a pivotal moment in US immigration policy discussions.
