N環球 
Federal judge orders State Dept. to announce reopening of 2027 Diversity Visa lottery by midnight, preserving 55,000 visas
U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta issued a preliminary injunction on Oct. 14 requiring the State Department to announce by midnight Oct. 15 (ET) the reopening of the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery, with registration to reopen by Oct. 18 for 30 days.
Why it matters
U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta issued a preliminary injunction on October 14 ordering the State Department to publicly announce by midnight October 15 (Eastern) the registration period for the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery, and to reopen registration no later than October 18 for 30 days. The program grants 55,000 visas a year to nationals of low-admission countries, created by the 1990 Immigration Act.
The lawsuit
The plaintiffs, California immigration firm Red Eagle Law (suing Secretary Rubio), argued the State Department failed to open registration on time; the judge found its inaction likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The Justice Department argued in court that timely compliance was "legally impossible" and may appeal or seek a stay.
The court also set a compressed schedule: selectees must be notified by November 19, 2026, and visas issued by the end of fiscal 2027 (September 30, 2027).
Sources
Courthouse News (2026-10-14); Law360.
💬 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!