Trump Govt Issues Fresh Update on Green Card Applications Affecting Kenyans and Other Countries

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a new update regarding Green Card lottery applications, which it suspended.

In a statement dated Friday, January 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, through its website travel.state.gov, announced that there are no new announcements regarding the DV-2027 programme, noting that the Trump administration’s pause on the issuance of all Diversity Immigrant Visas remains in force.

The department further urged anyone seeking clarification on the matter to visit the official website.

“The Department of State has paused issuance of all diversity immigrant visas. We will take the time and the measures necessary to protect U.S. national security and public safety. There are no new announcements regarding DV-2027 at this time,” read the statement.

Trump Govt Issues Update on Green Card Applications

The update comes days after the Trump administration decided to pause the issuance of all Diversity Immigrant Visas, which include Green Card applications.

The move has affected Kenyans and citizens of many other countries who have, for years, benefited from the programme, which grants successful applicants the opportunity to live and work in the United States.

In a notice dated December 23, 2025, the Department of State cited national security and public safety concerns as the reason for the pause.

The department stated that it is committed to ensuring that the visa process upholds the highest standards of security.

The decision was reportedly influenced by concerns raised following a shooting incident at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor, allegedly committed by an individual admitted to the United States through the Diversity Visa programme.

Also Read: Trump Suspends Green Card Lottery Program

Why the Green Card Lottery Program Was Suspended

The department noted that the pause will allow for a comprehensive review of screening and vetting protocols under the DV programme.

This review will address potential vulnerabilities in the process to ensure proper identification of applicants, confirmation of visa eligibility, and assessment of any security or public safety risks.

President Trump has been vocal about immigration levels in the United States, which he has linked to rising crime rates, particularly gun violence. Since returning to office in January 2025, his administration has introduced several measures aimed at tightening immigration controls.

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As part of these efforts, President Trump implemented policies suspending or restricting visa issuance for nationals of certain countries, effective January 1, 2026.

On December 16, 2025, he issued Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”

Under the proclamation, the U.S. suspended all immigrant and non-immigrant visas for nationals of 19 countries and territories.

These include countries from the June 2025 list, Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, as well as those added in January 2026: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone.

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Sample of Green Card for representation. PHOTO/Courtesy