The United States historically prides its diversity. The Green Card Lottery, also known as a The Diversity Visa Program, has promoted this principal. Yet, Trump’s immigration proposal has proposed eliminating this lottery in its entirety.
Presently, the lottery allows individuals from countries who are not highly represented in the United States (such as Papau New Guinea, Switzerland, Ethiopia, etc.) to apply for a green card through a randomized lottery.
Today, approximately 55,000 people who may not have the ability to immigrate to the United States through the traditional methods of a family or employer sponsor, can obtain permanent residency.
During the 2018 State of the Union Address, President Trump laid out his immigration plan. He said his plan was based on four pillars; the third of the which is to end the Green Card Lottery.
This program truly works as a lottery, there is no regard for skill, merit, or income.
The program has its origins in the 1980s. Yet, it truly is a small part of the American immigration landscape. Presently, we admit approximately a million people a year with green cards; 55,000 of these will go to lottery winners. Therefore, that is about only 5% of the total immigrant population.
There is criticism by the Trump administration that these immigrants have the possibility of being a security threat to the United States. Yet, just as any other immigrant, lottery winners are subjected to the same scrutinizing security tests and checks.
At Yekrangi & Associates, we cherish the diversity of the United States. If you or your family have any questions regarding the potential changes to the Diversity Visa Program, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Call our law firm to consult with an immigration attorney today at: (949) 478-4963.