Law enforcement officers search the area for the Brown University shooting suspect, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Salem, N.H. Associated Press
President Donald Trump has ordered the suspension of the green card lottery program following a deadly shooting spree linked to its recipient. The decision comes amid renewed debate over U.S. immigration policies and legal pathways into the country.
Program Halted After Deadly Campus Attacks
The suspension was announced Thursday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She said the action was taken at President Trump’s direction.
The move follows shootings at Brown University and MIT that left three people dead. Two students were killed at Brown. An MIT professor was also shot and killed.
Authorities identified the suspect as Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national. Officials said he later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“This individual should never have been allowed into our country,” Noem said in a post on X.
How the Suspect Entered the United States
According to police affidavits, Neves Valente first entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2000. He enrolled at Brown University that year.
He reportedly took a leave of absence in 2001. His whereabouts for the next several years remain unclear.
In 2017, Neves Valente received a diversity immigrant visa. He later obtained lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card.
Investigators have not disclosed whether any warning signs emerged during vetting.
What Is the Green Card Lottery Program?
The green card lottery program, also called the diversity visa lottery, was created by Congress. It offers up to 50,000 visas annually.
The program targets applicants from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. Many applicants come from Africa, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia.
For the 2025 lottery, nearly 20 million people applied worldwide. About 131,000 were selected, including family members.
Portuguese citizens received just 38 winning slots, officials confirmed.
Lottery winners must still pass interviews, background checks, and security vetting before entry.
Legal Challenges Likely
Because Congress established the diversity visa lottery, the suspension is expected to face legal challenges. Immigration advocates argue the president lacks authority to halt it unilaterally.
Officials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have been instructed to pause processing immediately.
No timeline was provided for a possible restart or review.
Trump’s Longstanding Opposition
President Trump has long criticized the green card lottery program. He has repeatedly called it unsafe and outdated.
The suspension aligns with his broader push to limit legal immigration pathways. That effort includes asylum restrictions and expanded deportation policies.
After a fatal November attack involving an Afghan national, Trump imposed tighter immigration rules on Afghanistan and other countries.
Critics say tragedies are being used to justify sweeping policy changes.
Broader Immigration Agenda
Trump has also challenged birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court recently agreed to hear his case.
His administration continues to pursue mass deportations while narrowing legal entry routes.
Supporters argue the steps enhance national security. Opponents warn they undermine lawful immigration systems.
What Comes Next
The suspension of the diversity visa lottery has reignited national debate. Lawmakers, courts, and advocacy groups are expected to weigh in soon.
For now, thousands of selected applicants remain in limbo.
As investigations continue, immigration policy once again sits at the center of a national tragedy.
