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Ending Visa Lottery and Stricter Penalties for Overstaying Visas

This bill aims to end the diversity visa lottery program, which allows individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. to obtain green cards. It also introduces new, stricter penalties for individuals who remain in the United States after their visa expires, including fines, imprisonment, and long-term entry bans. These changes could significantly impact opportunities for legal entry and stay in the U.S. for many people.
Key points
Termination of the diversity visa lottery program, meaning no more green cards through this route.
Introduction of financial penalties (up to $1000 per day) and imprisonment (up to 1 year) for overstaying a visa.
Individuals who overstay their visa may face a 5-year ban from entering the U.S., a 10-year ineligibility for immigration relief, and a 15-year ineligibility for legal permanent residency.
If an individual violates visa overstay rules again, they will be permanently inadmissible to the United States.
Changes to the definition of "particular social group" for asylum claims, excluding, among others, individuals involved in criminal activity, those from high-crime countries, or victims of private disputes.
Removal of the ability to apply for certain waivers of inadmissibility, potentially making it harder to legalize status in some cases.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_6706
Sponsor: Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4]
Process start date: 2022-02-11
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

ALIEN Act of 2022

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_6706.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2022-02-11.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Termination of the diversity visa lottery program, meaning no more green cards through this route.
  • Introduction of financial penalties (up to $1000 per day) and imprisonment (up to 1 year) for overstaying a visa.
  • Individuals who overstay their visa may face a 5-year ban from entering the U.S., a 10-year ineligibility for immigration relief, and a 15-year ineligibility for legal permanent residency.
  • If an individual violates visa overstay rules again, they will be permanently inadmissible to the United States.
  • Changes to the definition of "particular social group" for asylum claims, excluding, among others, individuals involved in criminal activity, those from high-crime countries, or victims of private disputes.
  • Removal of the ability to apply for certain waivers of inadmissibility, potentially making it harder to legalize status in some cases.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Migration Courts and Law