The D.C. Circuit Court is being asked to finish reviewing a stayed order that requires diversity visas to be issued to lottery winners. This order was made by the circuit court and stayed more than two years ago. To date, none of the 9,000 visas have been issued.

The D.C. Circuit Court originally ordered the diversity visas to be released in October 2021, a month after the September 2021 expiration date. However, according to the lower court this did not happen due to a misinterpretation of a Trump pandemic-era. Subsequently, the Biden administration appealed the decision and asked for a stay, so the order could be reviewed. The circuit court approved the Biden administration’s request for a stay.

The diversity visa lottery winners thought that the appeal would be completed quickly. Unfortunately, it has taken far longer than expected. Many of these lottery winners are in countries like Ukraine, Gaza, and Afghanistan that are no longer stable. These individuals were selected in the fiscal years 2020 and 2021 and see these visas as a way to leave their troubled home countries.

As always, we actively monitor ongoing updates to U.S. immigration. If you have questions about any employment-based or family-based issue, contact us. Our team of experienced attorneys work directly with our clients every step of the way.