Powerball jackpot surges to $1.1 billion — what if it’s won by an undocumented immigrant?

• The $1.1 billion Powerball jackpot remains unclaimed.
• Any adult can play, regardless of immigration status.
• Claiming the prize can be complex for undocumented immigrants.

The Powerball is once again capturing national attention after reaching a historic amount.

Although the game is open to any adult in the United States, the process of claiming a prize of this size is not the same for everyone.

For undocumented immigrants, winning the lottery can turn into a path filled with paperwork, legal hurdles, and potential risks.

$1.1 billion Powerball jackpot still in play

According to FOX News, no ticket matched all six numbers in the December 13 drawing. The winning numbers were 1, 28, 31, 57, 58, and Powerball 16.

While the jackpot was not claimed, there were $2 million and $1 million winners in several states. The cash value for the next drawing exceeds $503 million.

The eventual winner must choose between annual payments over 30 years or a lump-sum option, both subject to a 24% federal tax withholding.

Can you win the lottery in the U.S. without legal status?

Yes. Powerball rules allow anyone to play regardless of citizenship or immigration status. However, to claim the prize, winners must present official identification, proof of residence, and in many cases a tax identification number (TIN).

Some states, such as California, require the winner’s name and the location where the ticket was purchased to be made public, eliminating anonymity.

This requirement can be especially concerning for undocumented immigrants.

Impact on the Latino community

For many undocumented Hispanic immigrants, Powerball represents an accessible dream.

Buying a ticket does not require documentation, but claiming a Powerball jackpot of $1.1 billion involves public exposure and complex administrative steps.

The process may trigger fear over potential immigration risks, particularly in states that do not allow winners to remain anonymous.

What comes next

An undocumented winner would need to carefully plan every step, understand state-specific rules, and prepare to meet all tax obligations.

While winning the lottery is legal regardless of immigration status, the path to claiming the prize can be just as challenging as the size of the reward itself.