Legal Definitions - diversity visa program (the lottery)

The Diversity Visa Program, often referred to as "the lottery," is an annual initiative managed by the U.S. Department of State. Its primary goal is to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by offering approximately 50,000 immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.

To be eligible to enter this random selection process, applicants must meet specific criteria, typically related to their educational background or work experience. Those who are randomly selected then proceed through a comprehensive application process, which includes thorough security screenings, to determine their final eligibility for a visa. The program ensures a broad global distribution of these visas, with limits on how many can go to any single country or geographic region, prioritizing nations that have sent fewer immigrants to the U.S. in recent years.

• Example 1: A skilled professional from an underrepresented country
  Scenario: Elena, a talented graphic designer from Slovenia, a country with a relatively small population and historically low levels of immigration to the United States, decides to apply for the Diversity Visa Program. She meets the required educational qualifications and submits her entry online during the annual registration period.
  Explanation: This illustrates the program's core purpose: to offer a pathway to legal permanent residency for individuals from countries that are underrepresented in the U.S. immigrant population. Slovenia's low immigration numbers make its citizens eligible to participate, aligning with the program's goal of promoting diversity among new immigrants.
• Example 2: An applicant from a country with high prior immigration
  Scenario: Raj, a software engineer from India, is interested in immigrating to the United States. He researches the Diversity Visa Program but discovers that India is typically not eligible for participation because it has sent a very large number of immigrants to the U.S. in the preceding five-year period.
  Explanation: This example highlights the program's specific allocation criteria. Countries with high rates of immigration to the U.S. in recent years are generally excluded from the lottery, ensuring that the visas are distributed to diversify the immigrant pool rather than adding to existing large immigrant communities.
• Example 3: The random selection and subsequent rigorous process
  Scenario: Aisha, a high school teacher from Kenya, enters the Diversity Visa Program. Several months later, she receives notification that her entry has been randomly selected. She then proceeds with the extensive application process, which includes submitting detailed documents, undergoing a medical examination, and attending an interview at a U.S. embassy, all of which are subject to thorough background and security checks.
  Explanation: This demonstrates the "lottery" aspect of the program—the initial random selection from eligible applicants. It also shows that selection is not a guarantee of a visa; it merely allows an individual to *apply* for one, requiring them to meet all subsequent rigorous eligibility and security screening requirements before a visa can be issued.