The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that eliminates the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, which issues 55,000 greencard visas every year. It must now proceed to the floor of the full House of Representatives for a vote.

Since 1995, 785,000 visas have been issued under the program to enhance diversity within the United States. The visas are distributed randomly to applicants from countries which have not sent large numbers of people to the United States in the past.

“Eliminating 55,000 visas shows the true anti-immigrant colors of the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee.  For years, these same politicians have claimed that they are opposed only to illegal immigration, but support other immigrants.  This vote makes their real goal clear: closing the door to all immigrants,” said Ryan Bates, Director of the Alliance for Immigrants Rights.  “At a time when our state is losing population, we need immigrants to build businesses, buy houses, and help rebuild our economy from the ground up.  We can’t afford anti-immigrant antics in the House of Representatives.”

The Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act (H.R. 704) earned approval by the Committee on July 20 in a vote of 19-11.   

Although applicants must pass all health and criminal background checks, Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia who is one of the republicans to introduce the bill said the program poses a national security threat. 

“This flawed policy is just foolish in the age in which we live.  Those in the world who wish us harm can easily engage in this statistical gamble with nothing to lose. Our immigration policy should be based primarily on our national needs, security and economics and not in part on an arbitrary system, lacking even minimal checks,” Goodlatte said in a news release. 

According to the report, state officials have found that the program is plagued by fraud and the Government Accountability Office says it’s an open door for terrorists.