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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 9457· 119th Congress

Protect and Update Diversity Visa Program

Diversity Visa Protection and Modernization Act

Sponsor
Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
Introduced
Jun 25, 2026
Last Action
Jun 25, 2026
Passage
18%
Introduced
Jun 25, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Bill shields the diversity visa lottery program from elimination or major cuts.
  • Likely modernizes eligibility rules or application processes for the 55,000 annual visas distributed.
  • Detailed policy changes unavailable — official summary not yet published by Congress.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Affects roughly 55,000 immigrants annually who win diversity visa lottery slots, plus their families.
  • Matters because diversity visa program is politically contentious; some lawmakers want to eliminate it.
  • Stakes: immigrants from underrepresented countries gain certainty; restrictionists view it as inefficient admission method.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced June 2026, sent to House Judiciary Committee — early stage with no vote scheduled yet.
  • 29 cosponsors suggest moderate Democratic support, but passage requires Republican buy-in in divided Congress.
  • Track votes at Congress.gov or contact your House rep if you care about immigration policy.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jun 25, 2026Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Jun 25, 2026Introduced in House
  • Jun 25, 2026Introduced in House