🛂New Regulations Under the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
Visas: Enhancing Vetting and Combatting Fraud in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
Summary
The Department of State ("Department") proposes to amend regulations governing the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program ("DV Program") to improve the integrity and combat fraud in the program. The Department proposes to require petitioners to the DV Program to provide valid, unexpired passport information and a scan of the biographic and signature page uploaded to their electronic entry form, or otherwise indicate that they are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, the Department also proposes to standardize and amend language in 22 CFR part 42, including by adding the word "shall" to simplify guidance for consular officers; ensuring the use of the term "sex" in lieu of "gender" as mandated by Executive Order 14168; and replacing the term "age" in 22 CFR 42.33(h)(1)(i) with the phrase "date of birth" to accurately reflect the information collected and maintained by the Department during the immigrant visa process.
Agencies
- State Department
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The proposed regulation modifies the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program by mandating valid, unexpired passport information for applicants, improving fraud prevention measures that directly impact compliance requirements for businesses aiding in the visa process. This can affect costs and administrative processes for relevant organizations.