The DV Program Was Not Suspended Because All Entrants Are Bad: U.S. Secretary of State

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that the Diversity Visa (DV) program was suspended not because all entrants are “bad people,” but rather to address weaknesses in the screening process. Speaking to reporters at the State Department briefing room, Rubio stated that the program was not halted on the assumption that DV entrants are responsible for mass shootings or other crimes.

Although the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the suspension on Thursday, Rubio noted during a press meeting the following day that he had not yet discussed the matter with the Secretary of Homeland Security.

“The reason you suspend this program is not because you argue everybody who came in under that visa is a bad person and is going to shoot a place up,” Rubio stated. “It’s because you want to determine whether there’s something in the vetting of that program that’s insufficient. Is there a systemic problem in how those decisions are made that needs to be addressed?”

He added that it was prudent to pause the program until authorities could determine whether flaws exist. “I think it’s wise to suspend a program until you understand whether there is a deficiency. You just had a guy who came in through a certain route; you suspend the program to figure out whether something in the interview process should have been a red flag. You fix that before you restart the program,” Rubio said. “I imagine that’s the process we’re going to go through.”

Prior to Rubio’s remarks, a State Department spokesperson told NepYork that the department was coordinating with the DHS following the temporary suspension. “The horrific incidents this week demonstrate the threat the Diversity Visa program poses to American security and safety, which President Trump has long worked to fix,” the spokesperson said. “The Department of State is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to implement all necessary measures to protect America.”

Following Rubio’s comments, the State Department confirmed that U.S. embassies worldwide have indefinitely paused the issuance of diversity visas. The spokesperson added that visa interviews and issuances will not resume until officials are certain of the identity and background of those entering the country. Consequently, applicants awaiting interviews or pending decisions will not receive their visas for the time being.

However, it remains unclear whether individuals who have already been issued visas will be permitted to enter the United States. When NepYork reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for clarification, officials declined to provide a direct answer, referring inquiries to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

USCIS stated, “At the direction of President Trump and Secretary Noem, USCIS is immediately suspending its role in the Diversity Visa program to protect Americans from criminal aliens. This program continues to raise significant security concerns as it can attract the ‘worst of the worst’ from participating countries. America cannot continue importing terrorists, murderers, and lawbreakers through this program.”

While the DHS and USCIS have released formal announcements, the State Department has yet to issue an official statement. It is expected to do so by Monday.