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HR 9457

Diversity Visa Protection and Modernization Act

119th Congress Introduced by Yassamin Ansari and 26 co-sponsors

Prohibits broad DV visa suspensions; allows only targeted delays with congressional notice, and requires transparency, oversight, and protections for existing DV visa holders.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9457

Summary of HR 9457 — Diversity Visa Protection and Modernization Act

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to protect the integrity of the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, prevent unauthorized program-wide suspensions, ensure transparency and congressional oversight of executive actions affecting the program, and reaffirm congressional intent regarding the DV program.
  • It seeks to distinguish between targeted, permissible restrictions and broad, program-wide suspensions, and to safeguard eligible DV entrants from broad pauses that could undermine their lawful immigration opportunities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition on program-wide suspensions (Section 3a):
    • The Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may not suspend, pause, or stop DV visa issuance across the entire program, except as allowed under limited exceptions.
  • Limited exceptions (Section 3b):
    • Targeted suspensions or regional/country-specific limitations on DV issuance may be implemented following congressional notification.
    • Case-by-case delays, denials, or enhanced screening based on individualized security, criminal, or eligibility determinations may occur.
    • A temporary suspension of up to 60 days may be enacted, with automatic resumption after 60 days, but only for a limited period.
  • Congressional notice and transparency (Section 3c):
    • At least 7 days before any suspension or limitation described in the limited exceptions, the relevant Secretaries must notify appropriate congressional committees.
    • Notices must include: scope, geographic impact, duration; the specific threat or rationale necessitating action; the legal authority; and steps to resume normal issuance.
    • Notices must be published in the Federal Register, with classified annexes provided to committees as needed.
  • Protection for DV selectees (Section 3d):
    • Individuals who have already been issued DV visas shall not lose eligibility due to suspensions described in the act.
  • Congressional oversight framework (Section 3e):
    • Defines the “appropriate congressional committees” as:
    • House Judiciary Committee
    • Senate Judiciary Committee
    • House Foreign Affairs Committee
    • Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Affected parties and stakeholders

  • DV program applicants and selectees: Aimed at protecting their eligibility and reducing risk of losing opportunities due to broad pauses.
  • U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security: Would face statutory constraints on broad program-wide suspensions and heightened reporting/notice requirements.
  • Congress: Given explicit oversight and notification duties, with defined committees and transparency obligations.
  • Potential visa applicants from DV-eligible countries: Indirectly affected by the emphasis on targeted measures over program-wide pauses.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective procedures: Before implementing limited suspensions or regional restrictions, agencies must notify Congress at least 7 days in advance and provide detailed rationale and legal authority.
  • Public disclosure: Notices to Congress would be published in the Federal Register, with exceptions for classified material.
  • Temporary suspensions: If used, a suspension can last up to 60 days, after which it automatically resumes issuance, subject to ongoing oversight.
  • Legislative status: As of the latest available action, HR 9457 was introduced in the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee; multiple co-sponsors from diverse districts are listed.

Practical impact and considerations

  • The bill emphasizes restoring and maintaining public, legislative, and institutional oversight over DV program actions.
  • It seeks to prevent abrupt, program-wide disruption that could jeopardize DV visa holders and applicants, while allowing narrowly tailored, transparent responses to specific national security or policy concerns.
  • If enacted, agencies would face clearer procedural requirements for any suspension or delay, with structured timelines and public notice to Congress.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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