The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has placed an immediate hold on Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Adjustment of Status cases filed within the United States, following a new policy memorandum issued on December 19, 2025.
The policy affects DV Lottery winners who applied for their green cards through Adjustment of Status (AOS)—the process that allows eligible immigrants already in the U.S. to become lawful permanent residents without leaving the country.
According to immigration attorney Akua Poku, founder of AK Poku Law, PLLC, the hold applies to pending DV-related green card applications and took effect immediately on the date of the memo’s release.
“When USCIS says ‘hold,’ it does not mean denial,” Poku explained. “Cases will continue to be processed, but final decisions—approvals, denials, or dismissals—are paused while a comprehensive review is conducted.”
What the USCIS Hold Means
Under the new policy:
- USCIS will pause final decisions on DV Adjustment of Status cases filed inside the U.S.
- The hold also extends to related or ancillary applications, including:
- Employment Authorization Documents (work permits)
- Advance Parole (travel documents)
- Certain waiver applications, such as waivers of inadmissibility or permission to reapply after removal
- Derivative applicants—spouses and children of DV Lottery winners—are not exempt if they are also adjusting status within the United States.
USCIS also signaled that interviews or re-interviews may now be required, even for applications that would typically be adjudicated without one. This applies not only to green card applications but also to other filings if officers determine that in-person questioning is necessary.
Focus on Security and Fraud Review
Attorney Poku said the agency’s review is centered on:
- National security concerns
- Criminal history
- Identity verification
- Fraud indicators
- Other grounds of inadmissibility or deportability under U.S. immigration law
In cases where USCIS identifies potential security, public safety, or fraud risks tied to a particular group, the agency may re-review previously approved benefits for individuals in that group. However, USCIS emphasized that each case will be evaluated individually.
No Cancellation of the DV Program
Importantly, the memo does not cancel the Diversity Visa Lottery program, nor does it automatically terminate existing cases. Still, USCIS confirmed it is conducting a broader review of the DV Adjustment of Status program itself, beyond individual applications.
Applicants should expect delays and heightened scrutiny, particularly because the DV program operates under strict annual deadlines.
“The DV lottery is extremely time-sensitive, so people are understandably anxious,” Poku noted. “But panic is not helpful. This is the time to be careful and strategic.”
Guidance for DV Applicants
Immigration attorneys are urging affected applicants not to respond to USCIS requests without legal guidance, given the increased scrutiny and evolving policy landscape.
As the situation develops, DV Lottery applicants adjusting status inside the U.S. are advised to stay informed and seek qualified legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their immigration status.
This update was shared by the AK Poku Law Team, a U.S. immigration law firm representing immigrants nationwide.
