USCIS has put a temporary hold on approving certain Diversity Visa (DV) green card cases inside the United States after the recent shootings in New England, and this pause could mean long delays and real stress for many DV-2026 applicants.

The decision mainly affects people who won the Diversity Visa lottery and are already in the United States. The State Department runs the DV lottery, but USCIS handles the green card process for winners living inside the country.

DV Processing Was Already Facing Delays

Even before this incident, the Diversity Visa (DV) program was not running smoothly. DV 2026 winners could start applying from October 1, 2025, but the launch of the DV 2027 program was pushed back in early November. So the system was already moving more slowly than usual.

Extra Security Review For Pending DV Applicants

USCIS now plans to run a deeper review of every pending DV adjustment case. This includes simple but important checks such as:

• Running names through security and terrorism databases
• Checking for links to people or groups that raise security or criminal concerns
• Looking at any past issues that could make someone a risk to the community
• Confirming the applicant’s identity

The agency wants to make sure all pending cases are fully reviewed before any decisions move forward.

What The Pause Means For Applicants

USCIS will continue processing the files, but no final decisions will be made until the pause is lifted. And here’s what matters most.

The pause also affects work permits and travel documents linked to these cases. So many applicants may face long delays that could affect their ability to work or leave the country.

DV applicants are in a tougher spot than most. They must get their green card approved before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. If their case is not approved in time, they lose eligibility completely. If this pause lasts too long, many could miss their chance.

What Does Not Change

This pause only affects DV adjustments inside the United States. It does not affect DV 2026 visa processing at US embassies and consulates abroad. Those cases appear to be moving forward normally.