Visa Lottery changes for 2008

[Susie]

The entry for the DV 2008 (aka Visa Lottery) commenced yesterday and would run until noon of Dec. 3. While some countries like India and China are not eligible to participate, it is important to point out some changes that might be indicative of what would happen per current immigration legislations.

In the entry form, questions about educational qualifications and country of present residence have been included. These questions have never been asked in the 13 years the visa lottery has been running. I suspect this is anticipatory of the CIR (or some variations or portions of the CIR) being passed before the results of the lottery start to trickle out in April next year. If you all would recall, the dead CIR bill passed by the senate in May had provisions that the Visa Lottery should be modified to reserve 75% of the 55K visas to applicants with advanced degrees and it would be strategic to capture this data in advance in anticipation of legislative changes.

Now, while this is not good news in it self, it could however be that the Dept. of State knows or anticipates that the piece of legislation in question and indeed more immigration legislations would be passed after the November elections and more than likely, before April. I think this is a good pointer for us and we can't but wait to see how things unfold.

In the interim, you can visist http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ to fill out an application if you are from an eligible country.

[floridapete]

I've just been to the website link but can't find the area which would tell me if British nationals are yet allowed to enter the DVP 2008 - for most of the readers of this Forum that would be the most important question answer that they need to hear.

I really cannot understand why the US carry on with this DVP year on year, annually 'welcoming' 55,000 new visa holders, mainly from third world and non-'english speaking' countries, when they are, on the other hand, being SO obstructive to would-be immigrants from the developed countries and people who do, immediately, speak English as a first language and therefore create far less social and economic impact on the US nation ?

Or is this just the usual federal obtuseness that we have come to expect ?

[Sharon]

Hello

I cannot understand why the US allow an extra 50,000 people into the us when there are thousands of people waiting to be renunited wiith their families.

Some family based grren cards are backed up 8-10 years so to me these extra visas should be given to people already in the queue

[j0emV]

Because most of the people that enter the green DV lottery have no other way of legally immigrating to the US besides the DV lottery. Granted the preference system is messed up, but some people have no family members that are capable of sponsoring them nor do they have employment offers in the US yet they still dream of some change for themselves or their families. AND the term DV has some significance (Diversity Visa), wouldnt serve its if it didnt do just that while keeping the spirit of the USA alive.

I entered myself into the lottery this year already, its my contingency plan. Although this is the 4th of 5th year i'm trying.

[Susie]

Because most of the people that enter the green DV lottery have no other way of legally immigrating to the US besides the DV lottery. Granted the preference system is messed up, but some people have no family members that are capable of sponsoring them nor do they have employment offers in the US yet they still dream of some change for themselves or their families. AND the term DV has some significance (Diversity Visa), wouldnt serve its if it didnt do just that while keeping the spirit of the USA alive.

I entered myself into the lottery this year already, its my contingency plan. Although this is the 4th of 5th year i'm trying.


Hi

I understand your views and agree to a point but there are so many other people would are not allowed to enter this lottery for which is their only way to try to live in the USA

Not all British people or people from other exculded countries are able to purchase a business, have family members to sponcer them etc., so feel the lottery should be open to anyone who otherwise would never be able to move to the USA

No person should be excluded from attempting to live their dream , just because they do not fit into a certain section of the world

I understand the Lottery is called a Diversity lottery, but the USA has immigrants from every country in the world already

[USADiversityLottery]

The Diversity Lottery 2010 eligible countries include Russia and kosovo this year and opens October 2 2008. Russia has been added due to a steep decline in addoptions from Russia the last two years. Just thought you would like to know.

[anniefromessex]

With regard to the answer from USADiversityLottery, so what does that mean? I have heard from many people that there are loads of Russians in America already - so how did they get over there if they have only just been added to the programme - unless obviously they have bought businesses which is all well and good.

I think it is totally unfair that England are not included in this programme anymore - as Susie says not everyone can afford to buy a business or have family sponsor them, yet still might want to have the opportunity to live there. Yet another black mark for us I think! Do we smell or something?

Love Anniexxx

[InnVic]

I just think its stupid that people who have no financial 'fall back" no ability to speak the language, no social network etc.. can get lucky and win a green card when those who invest substantial amounts, pay taxes, contribute the the country and are self sufficient etc..are unable to get even half decent treatement in the pursuit of a 'temporary visa"

[Ray10]

The Diversity Lottery 2010 eligible countries include Russia and kosovo this year and opens October 2 2008. Russia has been added due to a steep decline in addoptions from Russia the last two years. Just thought you would like to know.

Ah ..One of the Diversity lottery scammers joins the fold ...

[Ray10]

I've just been to the website link but can't find the area which would tell me if British nationals are yet allowed to enter the DVP 2008 - ?
Its for 2010 ...

http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/T1026V-DV-2010bulletin.pdf