The U.S. Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa Program, is a relic of a bygone era that no longer serves the national interest.
At a time when the United States faces intense global competition, we cannot afford to leave our immigration policy to a game of chance. We need a system that prioritizes qualified labor, economic contribution, and social cohesion over random selection.
U.S. Green Card Lottery: Why It’s Time to Move to a Merit-Based System
The U.S. Green Card Lottery was established decades ago with the goal of diversifying the immigrant pool. However, the America of 2026 is already one of the most diverse nations on Earth.
Continuing to prioritize diversity for its own sake—without considering the economic or social impact—is actively hurting the country’s social fabric. We are seeing the rise of a low-trust society where fragmented communities struggle to integrate into the American way of life.
The High Cost of Random Selection
The recent tragedy involving Claudio Neves Valente, a Portuguese national who entered via the 2017 lottery, is a chilling example of the system’s failures. Despite “passing” vetting, this individual went on a rampage, murdering an MIT professor and two students.
As DHS Secretary Kristi Noem rightly stated, such individuals should never have been allowed in our country. When you hand out visas based on luck, you gamble with national security.
Why the U.S. Green Card Lottery Fails the Economy
The current lottery allocates 55,000 visas annually, with a heavy concentration in regions like Africa, where applicants often have lower levels of formal education and fewer financial resources. This is an inefficient use of our limited visa caps.
The Need for Qualified Labor
The U.S. is in dire need of qualified labor. We should be rolling out the red carpet for:
- Scientists and engineers who drive innovation.
- Healthcare professionals to support an aging population.
- Entrepreneurs who create jobs for American citizens.
Instead of a lottery, the U.S. should adopt a point system similar to Canada’s. This ensures that every person who receives a green card is someone who can contribute to the economy from day one.
The Benefits of the “Golden Visa”
President Trump’s focus on “Golden Visas” for investors and entrepreneurs is a fantastic step forward. These individuals bring massive financial resources and business acumen. They aren’t here to “mooch” off the system; they are here to build the infrastructure of the future.
Social Cohesion and the “Low Trust” Crisis
Diversity is only a strength when it is paired with integration. Unfortunately, the U.S. Green Card Lottery often brings in groups that struggle to align with American legal and social norms.
- Parallel Legal Systems: We see segments of the population advocating for Sharia law or other systems that run parallel to the U.S. Constitution.
- Systemic Fraud: In places like Minnesota, we have seen significant fraud cases within the Somali community. This stems from cultural backgrounds where such activities are commonplace.
- Erosion of Trust: A harmonious society requires shared values. When we prioritize geographic variety over cultural compatibility and skill, we tear the country apart.
The Solution: Abolish and Replace
President Trump’s executive action to suspend the lottery is a necessary move. The path forward is clear:
- Eliminate the Lottery: Stop the random selection of 55,000 people immediately.
- Implement a Points System: Grade applicants on education, English proficiency, age, and job offers.
- Expand Investor Visas: Prioritize those who bring capital and create American jobs.
Summary
The U.S. Green Card Lottery is an outdated lottery of luck that ignores the economic and social needs of the United States. By replacing it with a merit-based system, we can ensure that our immigrants are the “best and brightest” who will strengthen our social fabric rather than strain it.
FAQ: U.S. Green Card Lottery and Immigration Reform
Why is the U.S. Green Card Lottery being suspended? The program is being paused to review vetting protocols and shift toward a merit-based system that prioritizes national security and economic contribution.
What is a merit-based immigration system? It is a system, like Canada’s, where applicants earn points for their skills, education, and ability to contribute to the economy, rather than being chosen by random chance.
Is the Diversity Visa program free? Historically it was, but new rules have introduced entry fees. Regardless, the true cost is the lost opportunity to bring in highly skilled workers.