$250 Green Card Lottery Fee Rejected

A major victory for equal opportunity and diversity: The proposed $250 application fee for the Diversity Visa Lottery (also known as the Green Card Lottery) has been rejected by the Senate Parliamentarian. This means the lottery will remain free of charge from the U.S. government and open to applicants from around the world—regardless of income.

What was planned?

As part of the Republican-backed "One Big Beautiful Border Security Bill," introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2025, several measures were proposed to tighten immigration policy. Among them:

• A mandatory application fee of at least $250 to enter the Green Card Lottery
• An additional processing fee of approximately $400 for selected winners

These costs would have significantly increased the financial burden for Green Card applicants and effectively reversed the original inclusive and global intent of the Diversity Visa Lottery.

What is the Diversity Visa Lottery – and why is it free?

Since 1994, the Green Card Lottery has been held annually by the U.S. State Department. Each year, 55,000 people from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. have the chance to obtain a permanent residency visa—commonly known as the "Green Card."

The lottery is intentionally free of charge to ensure a truly fair chance for people from all over the world—regardless of their background, income, or education. The program was designed to promote diversity among immigrants and avoid favoring wealthy, industrialized nations. A steep fee would undermine this principle.

The Byrd Rule – What it is and why it matters

The Byrd Rule is a key procedural guideline in the U.S. Senate. Introduced in 1985 and named after Senator Robert Byrd, its purpose is to exclude provisions from budget bills that do not primarily impact federal spending or revenue. The rule applies specifically to legislation passed through the budget reconciliation process, which allows bills to pass with a simple majority of 51 votes, bypassing the filibuster.

In short: Provisions that do not directly affect the federal budget cannot be included in such legislation. This is exactly what applied to the proposed lottery fee.

Why the fee violated the Byrd Rule

Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, a neutral legal authority, reviewed the bill and concluded on June 27, 2025, that the proposed lottery fee did not primarily serve to fund the federal budget but was instead a politically motivated move aimed at raising the barrier for legal immigration.

According to the Byrd Rule, the fee was therefore inadmissible under reconciliation and had to be removed. This decision is binding, as the Senate traditionally follows the Parliamentarian's guidance.

Why the bill was meant to pass with only 51 votes

The "One Big Beautiful Border Security Bill" was introduced as a reconciliation bill. The strategy: Push the bill through the Senate with a simple majority of 51 votes—without risking a filibuster (prolonged debate) by the Democratic opposition.

Without the Byrd Rule, sweeping political changes—like effectively abolishing the Diversity Visa Lottery through high fees—could be enacted without broader consensus. This makes the Byrd Rule a vital safeguard against budgetary abuse.

A de facto ban through the Back Door?

The introduction of a $250 fee would have deterred or excluded applicants from lower-income countries—the very individuals the lottery is meant to benefit.

Government-imposed fees would have turned an inclusive system into an exclusive one, accessible only to the financially privileged. The Parliamentarian’s decision is thus not a mere technicality, but a clear stance for social justice and equal opportunity.

The debate continues – but the message is clear

Even though the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' has already passed through Congress and the Senate in different versions, it remains unclear whether it will ultimately be enacted into law. To do so, it would need to pass the House of Representatives at least a second time in its current form. In any case, one thing is clear: The Diversity Visa Lottery will remain free—at least from the government’s side.

This marks an important victory for human rights, diversity, and democratic values.

At The American Dream, like many reputable organizations, we charge a small service fee for our Green Card Lottery support. Here’s why:

• We carefully check every application for completeness and accuracy to prevent disqualification due to errors.
• We offer reminder services, timely submissions, and official confirmation of entry.
• If you win, you receive full support with the visa process—including interview preparation.
• Our experienced team assists thousands of applicants every year—with expertise and a keen eye for administrative pitfalls.

All of this comes at fair prices, much lower than the previously proposed government fees, while offering real value in return.

Why you should apply now

The decision to strike down the fee shows: The Green Card Lottery is alive—and it’s for everyone!

Now is the perfect time to take your first step toward a life in the United States. The government lottery is still free to enter, and with help from The American Dream, you can significantly boost your chances of success.

Whether you want to study, work, or start fresh with your family—the Green Card is your gateway to a new life.

Don’t miss this opportunity: Apply now and secure your spot in the next Green Card Lottery draw.