A new bill introduced in the US Congress proposes a $250 entry fee and increased visa processing charges for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, potentially making the program more expensive and challenging, especially for applicants from developing countries like Nepal.
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, an annual program run by the United States, may soon become significantly more expensive and restrictive if a newly proposed bill is passed. The “Big Beautiful Border Security Act 2025”, currently under consideration in the US Congress, includes a provision that would require DV applicants to pay a $250 entry fee (approximately 30,000 NPR) just to register for the lottery.
Additionally, if selected, applicants would face a higher visa processing fee, which is set to increase from the current $330 to $400 under the proposed legislation.
Critics argue that the bill goes against the DV program’s core mission of promoting diversity and equal opportunity, as the new financial burden would disproportionately affect individuals from developing countries, such as Nepal, where thousands of youth see the DV as a life-changing chance.
Adding to the concern, another proposal under the same bill seeks to eliminate the DV lottery entirely. The bill’s sponsor, Congressman Mike Collins, has labeled the DV program as a “threat to America’s security” and argued that permanent residency should not be awarded based on chance.
If the legislation is passed, it would result in the cancellation of nearly 55,000 green cards that are currently distributed annually under the program. For thousands of aspiring migrants, especially Nepalis, this could mean the end of a long-cherished dream.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of the DV Lottery.
This article was originally published on bajarkochirfar.com. Translated with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
