In the US there is held the Diversity Lottery (DV) Program (also called Green Card Lottery ) each year making 50,000 immigrant visas available through a lottery. The Green card Lottery USA was established under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Eligibility Criteria for applicants to be considered in the lottery :
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Procedure of Green Card Lottery :
The lottery visas are distributed both on regional and national basis, with each region sending lesser number of immigrants to the US in the previous five years receiving more diversity visas.
Following selection, a written notice is sent in the period of July-August to the applicant (or the application sending attorney). Those selected are considered for the fiscal year beginning the following October 1st. A new application is needed for each year.
The Department of State publishes a list every month showing the rank cutoff number. Only people with rank below the cutoff can apply. Applications can be submitted at a consulate/immigration office if the applicant is in the US. The rank number must be below the cutoff when applying for the green card and also when the visa is issued or when the adjustment of status takes place.
An Immigrant Visa application can only be filed electronically through the Internet.
Major Advantages of Green Card Lottery :
- It has contributed in decreasing the proportion of illegal immigrants in the US. People whose non-immigrant visas have expired try to make a way out through the lottery to return home rather than to stay illegally in the US
- The program acts democratically by encouraging those states which have sent lesser number of people to the US, hence promoting greater racial and ethnic diversity in the US.
Arguments against the Program :
However there are criticisms of the Green Card Lottery and off late, a resolution has been moved by the US House of Representatives to abolish the lottery system (Please refer to USA Visa Lottery , Index 35, Topic 46 for details). Such as:
- The lottery paves way for a terrorist to enter the US
- Many people apply for it more than once and there is no provision to prevent cases of duplicity
- Mostly uneducated people without any professional experience come to the United States through the visa lottery
It is yet to be seen whether the US authorities sustain with the popular green card lottery program, or whether the Senate approves the House's bill to bring an end to it.
For more information, please refer to www.mapsofworld.com .
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