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H.R. 9457: Diversity Visa Protection and Modernization Act

This bill would change how the Diversity Visa Program is handled by the executive branch. In plain terms, it says the government cannot shut down the whole Diversity Visa Program without clear legal authority, but it still allows narrower actions in some situations.

What the bill does

It bars the Secretary of State or Secretary of Homeland Security from suspending, pausing, or stopping all Diversity Visa issuance under the program, except in limited circumstances.
It allows country-specific or regional limits on Diversity Visa issuance, but only after notice is given to Congress.
It allows individual case-by-case delays, denials, or extra screening based on a person’s security, criminal, or eligibility concerns.
It allows a temporary program-wide suspension for up to 60 days, after which visa issuance automatically resumes.

Notice and transparency requirements

If the government wants to use a country-specific or regional limitation, it must give Congress notice at least 7 days in advance. That notice must include:

the scope, geographic reach, and duration of the limit;
the specific and extraordinary threat involved;
why a narrower measure would not be enough, if applicable;
the national security or foreign policy reason for the action;
the legal authority being used; and
the steps being taken to return to normal processing.

The notice must also be published in the Federal Register, except for any classified annexes sent to Congress.

Protection for visa selectees

The bill says that if someone has been issued a Diversity Visa, they do not lose eligibility just because there is a temporary suspension under the 60-day emergency provision.

Overall effect

In practice, the bill would make it harder for the federal government to stop the Diversity Visa Program across the board, while still preserving tools for targeted restrictions, extra screening, and short-term emergency pauses. It also adds more reporting and notice requirements for Congress.