Green Card Lottery Paused in US Amid H-1B Row: What It Means for Indians

The United States has suspended the green card lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Programme, amid heightened scrutiny of immigration policies and an ongoing backlash over the H-1B visa system. While Indian citizens were already ineligible for the lottery, the move has intensified uncertainty for Indian students and professionals planning long-term careers in the US.

The decision was taken under the Trump administration, following national security concerns linked to recent violent incidents in the country. The Diversity Visa programme previously offered up to 50,000 permanent residency visas annually through a random selection process to applicants from countries with low migration rates to the US.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the suspension, stating that the programme would remain paused indefinitely as authorities reassess its risks and impact.

WHY THE GREEN CARD LOTTERY SUSPENSION MATTERS FOR INDIANS

Although Indian nationals have not been eligible for the DV Lottery for several years, the pause carries broader implications. Immigration experts say the move highlights how long-standing legal pathways can be halted abruptly, often without prior notice.

For Indian students and professionals already navigating a volatile H-1B visa environment, the suspension reinforces concerns about the unpredictability of US immigration routes. Policy changes linked to security or political developments can significantly alter career timelines built around study, work and permanent residency in the US.

H-1B BACKLASH AND GROWING UNCERTAINTY

The lottery suspension comes at a time when the H-1B visa programme is facing increased scrutiny over alleged misuse and fraud. Together, these developments signal a tougher stance on immigration, raising anxiety among foreign workers and students who rely on structured pathways to remain in the country long-term.

Education and mobility experts caution that aspirants should no longer treat any single visa category as a guaranteed route to settlement.

EXPERT VIEW: FLEXIBILITY IS NOW ESSENTIAL

Commenting on the development, student-mobility experts said the move underlines the need for diversified planning. Aspirants are being advised to stay informed, build alternative options and evaluate countries offering more predictable post-study work and residency policies.

Destinations such as the UK, Australia and parts of Europe are increasingly being viewed as viable alternatives, especially for students seeking stability after graduation.

WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR INDIAN ASPIRANTS

Despite the suspension, the US remains a key destination for Indian talent in technology, research and higher education. However, experts stress that long-term success will now depend more on skills, adaptability and global mobility, rather than reliance on any single immigration programme.

For Indian students and professionals, the green card lottery pause serves as a reminder that immigration planning must be strategic, flexible and globally diversified.