Latest news with #DiversityVisaProgram
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - Don't make immigrants pay just to enter a visa lottery
The House Judiciary Committee unveiled a budget bill last month containing a provision designed, much like poll taxes, to undermine access to the Diversity Visa Program and disproportionately impact immigrants of color. Further, the proposed provision weaponizes the program so that our U.S. government can fleece vulnerable people primarily from the Global South — and particularly from Africa. This is personal for me for multiple reasons. I run an immigration law firm that represents Diversity Visa selectees. Some of my amazing paralegals are themselves former Diversity Visa selectees. On top of that, I am a candidate for Congress in the seat currently held by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), a member of this misguided committee. Issa's committee wants to charge Diversity Visa entrants at least $250 to enter the lottery. If each of the 20 million qualified entries received for the fiscal 2025 program were accompanied by $250, the U.S. could raise $5 billion. While that new revenue might sound great to a teenager working for DOGE, it does not account for those from whom the funds would come: some of the poorest people on earth. This is wrong. I once had a client, a single African woman who was selected but did not have the money for the medical exam, much less the Diversity Visa application fee. Her parents did not want her to lose the opportunity, and so they sold the land on which they had planned to build a home just to pay for the medical exam and $330 application so she could attend the immigrant visa interview. It is easy to forget that many people in this world have incomes of $12 per week, which comes to about $600 per year. The 'get in line' crowd always omits how few and narrow paths there are to immigrate to the U.S., and how relatively expensive those paths already are. The Diversity Visa program has led to a broader mix of nationalities represented in the U.S. immigrant population, creating a nation better equipped to understand and relate to the diversity of the world. Under the program, the U.S. issues visas specifically for immigrants who are natives of countries and regions from which fewer than 50,000 immigrants came to the U.S. over the previous five years. The program is responsible for the largest percentage of African and Black immigration to the U.S. The luckiest of the selectees are granted immigrant visas and granted admission to enter the U.S, automatically becoming lawful permanent residents who may live and work in the country indefinitely. Hopeful immigrants must submit entries each fall; they find out whether they 'won' by checking the State Department's website. Diversity Visa entrants for fiscal 2026 just recently got their results; with just shy of 20 million entrants this year, an entrant for 2026 had less than a 0.025 percent chance to be selected. From there, due to overselection, only about half of those selected are issued visas. It is in that context that we cannot, ethically or morally, ask the poorest families on earth to spend $250 — nearly half their annual income — just for a negligible chance to be selected in the program. This would essentially constitute mass fraud. Immigration policy should be used as diplomatic tool to show other countries how great and fair good government can be. Instead, House Judiciary Committee Republicans are choosing to use immigration policy as a weapon to inflict harm on our country's credibility and reputation. The U.S. is better than this. I pray that Americans stand up and say no to these misguided proposals. Curtis Morrison is a California-based immigration attorney and candidate for Congress in California's 48th Congressional District. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Don't make immigrants pay just to enter a visa lottery
The House Judiciary Committee unveiled a budget bill last month containing a provision designed, much like poll taxes, to undermine access to the Diversity Visa Program and disproportionately impact immigrants of color. Further, the proposed provision weaponizes the program so that our U.S. government can fleece vulnerable people primarily from the Global South — and particularly from Africa. This is personal for me for multiple reasons. I run an immigration law firm that represents Diversity Visa selectees. Some of my amazing paralegals are themselves former Diversity Visa selectees. On top of that, I am a candidate for Congress in the seat currently held by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), a member of this misguided committee. Issa's committee wants to charge Diversity Visa entrants at least $250 to enter the lottery. If each of the 20 million qualified entries received for the fiscal 2025 program were accompanied by $250, the U.S. could raise $5 billion. While that new revenue might sound great to a teenager working for DOGE, it does not account for those from whom the funds would come: some of the poorest people on earth. This is wrong. I once had a client, a single African woman who was selected but did not have the money for the medical exam, much less the Diversity Visa application fee. Her parents did not want her to lose the opportunity, and so they sold the land on which they had planned to build a home just to pay for the medical exam and $330 application so she could attend the immigrant visa interview. It is easy to forget that many people in this world have incomes of $12 per week, which comes to about $600 per year. The 'get in line' crowd always omits how few and narrow paths there are to immigrate to the U.S., and how relatively expensive those paths already are. The Diversity Visa program has led to a broader mix of nationalities represented in the U.S. immigrant population, creating a nation better equipped to understand and relate to the diversity of the world. Under the program, the U.S. issues visas specifically for immigrants who are natives of countries and regions from which fewer than 50,000 immigrants came to the U.S. over the previous five years. The program is responsible for the largest percentage of African and Black immigration to the U.S. The luckiest of the selectees are granted immigrant visas and granted admission to enter the U.S, automatically becoming lawful permanent residents who may live and work in the country indefinitely. Hopeful immigrants must submit entries each fall; they find out whether they 'won' by checking the State Department's website. Diversity Visa entrants for fiscal 2026 just recently got their results; with just shy of 20 million entrants this year, an entrant for 2026 had less than a 0.025 percent chance to be selected. From there, due to overselection, only about half of those selected are issued visas. It is in that context that we cannot, ethically or morally, ask the poorest families on earth to spend $250 — nearly half their annual income — just for a negligible chance to be selected in the program. This would essentially constitute mass fraud. Immigration policy should be used as diplomatic tool to show other countries how great and fair good government can be. Instead, House Judiciary Committee Republicans are choosing to use immigration policy as a weapon to inflict harm on our country's credibility and reputation. The U.S. is better than this. I pray that Americans stand up and say no to these misguided proposals. Curtis Morrison is a California-based immigration attorney and candidate for Congress in California's 48th Congressional District.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
US Diversity Visa 2026 results are out: How to check status, and what's next
The US Department of State has officially released the results for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program 2026, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery. Starting May 3, 2025, applicants can check their selection status online at the official Entrant Status Check portal: This portal will remain accessible until at least September 30, 2026. Understanding the Diversity Visa Program Up to 55,000 immigrant visas are granted each year under the Diversity Visa Program to citizens of nations with historically low immigration rates to the US. The registration period for the DV-2026 cycle ran from October 2 through November 7, 2024. No late or paper entries were accepted during this window; applicants had to submit their entries electronically. Operation Sindoor Amid flare-up hours after thaw, officials say things will settle down with time Ceasefire on, but pressure stays: Key decisions by India against Pak that still stand 'Will work with India & Pakistan to seek solution on Kashmir': Trump Read more: 7 national parks that are not only about wildlife and safaris How to check your DV-2026 status To determine if you've been selected: Visit the official Entrant Status Check portal: Enter your unique confirmation number, last/family name, and year of birth. Complete the CAPTCHA verification to access your status. It's crucial to note that the US Department of State does not send selection notifications via email, phone, or postal mail. The only official method to check your status is through the Entrant Status Check portal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Next steps for selected applicants Being selected in the DV Lottery does not guarantee a visa. Selected individuals must: Submit the DS-260 immigrant visa application form. Attend a visa interview at a US Embassy or consulate. Provide necessary documentation and undergo medical examinations. Applicants are advised to prepare thoroughly and ensure all requirements are met to increase their chances of a successful visa issuance. Read more: 10 places not to miss on a Kerala trip Beware of scams With the announcement of DV-2026 results, there's an increased risk of fraudulent schemes. Applicants should be cautious of: Unsolicited emails or messages claiming selection and requesting payment. Websites mimicking the official DV Lottery portal. Always rely on the official website for accurate information and updates. For people all throughout the world, the DV Lottery is a singular chance to live the American dream. For those chosen, it marks the start of their path to permanent residency in the United States. To effectively navigate the procedure, keep yourself informed, be on the lookout for scammers, and adhere to established standards. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Migrants at risk of losing green card lottery if GOP House wins fight
FIRST ON FOX: Republican lawmakers are seeking to end a government program that "undermines national security" by allowing a "faceless computer code" to randomly distribute visas to migrants through a lottery system, Fox News Digital has learned. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program), which is run by the State Department, holds an annual lottery where up to 55,000 green cards are given out to immigrants who are then granted permanent resident status through a randomized draw. The program has been in political debate for years among lawmakers who have raised national security concerns over randomly choosing migrants to receive residency rather than going through a merit-based selection process. On Wednesday, Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga. introduced the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2025, shared first with Fox News Digital, that aims to end the visa lottery and eliminate the ability for lottery winners to immediately sponsor family members for preferential green cards. Doge Focuses On Millions In Migrant Hotels Billed To Us Taxpayers As Dhs Sec. Noem Targets Fema "The Diversity Visa Program is a needless exercise in government virtue signaling. We've opened our country up to an almost endless system of chain migration while throwing a dart at the globe and letting faceless computer code determine a path to citizenship for 50,000 immigrants," Collins said in a statement. Read On The Fox News App Trump's Department Of Homeland Security Looking To Deputize Irs Agents For Immigration Enforcement Collins added that "ending the Visa Lottery is commonsense" and that his bill "will reform our broken immigration system and realign our nation's priorities back to the America First immigration policies that we need." The DV Program currently allows applicants who meet a certain eligibility requirement to apply online. To apply, applicants must come from countries with historically low rates of immigration and complete at least a high school education. In 2017, several Republican lawmakers raised concern over the visa lottery after winner Sayfullo Saipov, a terrorist who was granted residency through the program in 2010, killed eight people in New York by driving a truck into a crowd on Halloween. Another accused terrorist, Akayed Ullah, was also granted a visa through the program, according to Republican Sen. John Boozman's office. Cosponsors of the bill include Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas, Rep. Mike Haridopolos of Florida, Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida, Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin, and Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas. The legislation is also backed by both the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and Numbers USA, an immigration reform group. "U.S. visa holders should represent the best and brightest immigrants from all over the world who share the commitment to advance American values," Ryan Walker, Heritage Action Executive Vice President said in a statement shared with Fox. "Issuing visas based on arbitrary "diversity" quotas undermines national security, restricts opportunities for skilled talent, and fails to foster true diversity."Original article source: Migrants at risk of losing green card lottery if GOP House wins fight
Fox News
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Migrants at risk of losing green card lottery if GOP House wins fight
FIRST ON FOX: Republican lawmakers are seeking to end a government program that "undermines national security" by allowing a "faceless computer code" to randomly distribute visas to migrants through a lottery system, Fox News Digital has learned. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program), which is run by the State Department, holds an annual lottery where up to 55,000 green cards are given out to immigrants who are then granted permanent resident status through a randomized draw. The program has been in political debate for years among lawmakers who have raised national security concerns over randomly choosing migrants to receive residency rather than going through a merit-based selection process. On Wednesday, Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga. introduced the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2025, shared first with Fox News Digital, that aims to end the visa lottery and eliminate the ability for lottery winners to immediately sponsor family members for preferential green cards. "The Diversity Visa Program is a needless exercise in government virtue signaling. We've opened our country up to an almost endless system of chain migration while throwing a dart at the globe and letting faceless computer code determine a path to citizenship for 50,000 immigrants," Collins said in a statement. Collins added that "ending the Visa Lottery is commonsense" and that his bill "will reform our broken immigration system and realign our nation's priorities back to the America First immigration policies that we need." The DV Program currently allows applicants who meet a certain eligibility requirement to apply online. To apply, applicants must come from countries with historically low rates of immigration and complete at least a high school education. In 2017, several Republican lawmakers raised concern over the visa lottery after winner Sayfullo Saipov, a terrorist who was granted residency through the program in 2010, killed eight people in New York by driving a truck into a crowd on Halloween. Another accused terrorist, Akayed Ullah, was also granted a visa through the program, according to Republican Sen. John Boozman's office. Cosponsors of the bill include Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas, Rep. Mike Haridopolos of Florida, Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida, Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin, and Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas. The legislation is also backed by both the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and Numbers USA, an immigration reform group. "U.S. visa holders should represent the best and brightest immigrants from all over the world who share the commitment to advance American values," Ryan Walker, Heritage Action Executive Vice President said in a statement shared with Fox. "Issuing visas based on arbitrary "diversity" quotas undermines national security, restricts opportunities for skilled talent, and fails to foster true diversity."
