CLARKE INTRODUCES THE DIVERSITY VISA PROTECTION AND MODERNIZATION ACT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 29, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:

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WASHINGTON, DC - Last week, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) introduced the Diversity Visa Protection and Modernization Act, legislation to preserve the integrity of the Diversity Visa Program, strengthen congressional oversight, and ensure that lawful immigration opportunities established by Congress cannot be suspended indefinitely without transparency and accountability.

"The Diversity Visa Program has long reflected the best of our nation by expanding lawful pathways to citizenship and strengthening the rich cultural fabric that defines America. Yet, in recent years, the Trump administration's anti-immigrant campaign has threatened to undermine this vital program and leave thousands of eligible applicants in limbo through no fault of their own," said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. "At a time when lawful immigration pathways face increasing uncertainty, Congress must reaffirm its role in shaping immigration policy and ensure that programs established by statute are administered consistently with congressional intent. This measure would protect the integrity of the Diversity Visa Program, safeguard applicants from arbitrary disruptions, and reaffirm our commitment to a fair and lawful immigration system that welcomes people from across the globe."

"A program Congress created should not be erased without Congress, without transparency, and without regard for the families whose futures depend on it. Congresswoman Clarke's bill reaffirms that principle-security can be strengthened without slamming the door on hundreds of thousands of people who have built their lives around this lawful path. CUSP is proud to support it," said Carolyn Tran, Executive Director of Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP).

The legislation is co-sponsored by: Reps. Yassamin Ansari, Shontel M. Brown, André Carson, Greg Casar, Jasmine Crockett, Danny K. Davis, Adriano Espaillat, Sylvia R. Garcia, Jesús G. "Chuy" García, Dan Goldman, Al Green, Adelita S. Grijalva, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr., Analilia Mejia, Christian Menefee, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Delia C. Ramirez, Emily Randall, Jan Schakowsky, Terri A. Sewell, Bennie G. Thompson, Ritchie Torres, Lauren Underwood, Nydia M. Velazquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Frederica S. Wilson.

The legislation is endorsed by: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Communities United for Status and Protection (CUSP), Undocublack, African Communities Together (ACT), Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), Adhikaar, National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC)

Read the full bill text here.

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