Green Card

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Is Green Card Lottery DV2023 Cancelled? Diversity Visa Lottery

Rumors have been going around on the internet about whether the diversity visa lottery will be cancelled for the 2023 fiscal year. The many hiccups by the U. S. State Department in dealing with  visa processing and interview backlogs for the DV2020 and DV2021 has led many to this speculation. Which is, if it is even worth continuing the program if the State department cannot handle interviewing all selectees and approving visas for  the qualified selectees who are able to pass their interviews.

These assumptions make sense but they are not facts!

The diversity visa program’s 2023 fiscal year application in October 2021 will not be cancelled due to various reasons I will explain below. You can watch my video discussion of this issue.

It would take an act of congress to cancel the diversity visa a.k.a. green card lottery program because the program was established by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990 (INA 1990). This was passed by both houses of congress and signed by George H.W. Bush. Therefore, for the diversity visa program to be canceled, it will have to go through similar process.

U. S. State Department as a branch of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not have the authority to cancel the diversity visa lottery program.  However, the State Department can petition congress to review the program. Even so, that would still be in the hands of congress.

Republican senators Tom Cotton, of the Senate Judiciary Committee (R-Arkansas) and David Perdue (R-Georgia) introduced legislation in 2017  called RAISE Act , that sought to eliminate the diversity visa program. Republican representative Bill Posey, of the Senate Judiciary Committee(R-Florida) also sponsor a bill called SAFE for America Act  to end the diversity visa program in 2017. Recent attempt has come from Republican senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana). Sen. Kennedy introduced Visa Lottery Repeal Act . So far, these have been some of the attempts to end the program.

The diversity visa 2023 application period is few days away for such a dramatic end to the program to take place. As I have explained above, it will need the act of congress to end or eliminate the program and few days to a new fiscal year is too short for this to happen.

Immigration proponents in the congress are fighting for an increase in the number of diversity visas from 55,000 to 85,000. Rep.  Grace Meng (D-NY) voted to include an amendment  on the House Appropriation Committee Infrastructure funding of Department of Homeland Security, that would rollover any unused diversity visas from 2020 and 2021 fiscal years to the subsequent years.

For these reasons, diversity visa lottery  will continue for now! Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos and also, watch my prediction for DV2023 application start date!

Long live Green Card Lottery!!

 

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Can I Join the US military as a Green Card Lottery Winner?

As a green card lottery winner in itself, you cannot join the US military . You must obtain your immigrant visa (DV) and enter the United States first and receive your green card to qualify to join.

Joining the U.S. military service is the best way to show your patriotism to your new country. The U.S. military has the Army, the Air Force, the Marines and the Navy.

A great way to fulfil your lifelong dream of serving in the military is to join the U.S. military.

The U.S. military has the strongest and is the most powerful military force in the world.

There are many great benefits to join such as:

  • Fastest route to obtain U.S. Citizenship
  • Money for School
  • Travel the world
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid vacation
  • Tax-free room and board
  • Get paid for serving ­– a consistent paycheck and money towards 401k retirement
  • Get qualified for Veteran’s mortgage loan to build your dream house, etc.

As a new immigrant or green card holder, the military is open to US citizens and legal permanent residents of the United States, which includes you!

In any military recruitment, there are selection criteria to meet in order to Join

Different branches of the US armed forces have different criteria; age, weight, ASVAB score, etc.

If you want to join the military, you need to ask yourself several questions

  1. What are your interests?

Your specific interest might not have opportunities in all branches of the military. So, you need to do research online using Google to connect to articles and forums that address some of your questions. Military.com is a good place to start. Reddit has sub-forums for various military groups, answering questions from meeting the eligibility requirements to bootcamp to retiring in the military.

  1. Can you meet the eligibility requirement?

You need to take a look at the eligibility – age, immigration status, education, fitness, MEP, mental and moral standards?

  1. How long can you commit?

Most contracts are 4 years plus. Or you could do 20 years and retire.

  1. What are your long-term and short-term goals?

Your short-term and long-term goals will determine your level of commitment. This will also tie in with your interest. Are you joining to break into a new career? Most armed forces veterans continue their careers in law enforcement, politics, while others take up opportunities in major corporations with their extensive experience and knowledge from the service.

  1. If you are married and/or have children, have you discussed it with your immediate family?

When you sign up to join the military, your spouse and children are somewhat emotionally and physically (relocation) signed up with you.

These answers will help you to make the right decision for you and your family.

Serving in the military is one of the most selfless acts you could ever make- to sacrifice for your country! I salute you for your bravery and for even considering this.

God bless America!

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How to Properly Name Your Supporting Documents for Diversity Visa Lottery DS-260

If we have learned anything about U.S. Immigration, not following instructions could lead to a disappointing outcome such as rejection of your documents, which will further delay processing of your case.

Document should be one of the following list if applicable: Passport_Biohraphic_data, Birth_Certificate, Marriage_certificate, Divorce_document, Death_certificate, Annulment_paper, Military_record, Police_certificate_country_XXX, Court_record_country_XXX.
If translations are needed, then add “_translation” on the filename. Translate documents that are not in English
Proper Document naming;

Unmarried Applicant:
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_Passport_Biographic_data.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_Birth_Certificate.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_police_certificate_country_france.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_police_certificate_country_france_translation.pdf

If applicant is married;
Principal applicant
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_Birth_Certificate.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_Passport_Biographic_data.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_police_certificate_country_france.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_police_certificate_country_france_translation.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Jacob_Ade_marriage_certificate.pdf
Spouse
• 2022AF00888888_Ruth_Ade_Birth_Certificate.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Ruth_Ade_Passport_Biographic_data.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Ruth_Ade_Police_Certificate.pdf

If applicant has children;
Child #1
• 2022AF00888888_Kofi_Ade_Birth_Certificate.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Kofi_Ade_Passport_Biographic_data.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Kofi_Ade_Police_Certificate.pdf (this depends on age, and if ever arrested. Please use Police Certificate criteria to determine)

Child #2
• 2022AF00888888_Joy_Ade_Birth_Certificate.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Joy_Ade_Passport_Biographic_data.pdf
• 2022AF00888888_Joy_Ade_Police_Certificate.pdf (this depends on age, and if ever arrested. Please use Police Certificate criteria to determine)

Please use the document list to determine which documents you need to submit since this list is not exhaustive.

Follow the instructions and use common sense in all you do! Factcheck and doublecheck everything.
Thank you!

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Supporting Documents For Green Card Lottery

After KCC receives and processes the DS-260 application form for you and your accompanying family members, you will receive instructions for how to submit required supporting documents. Your interview will not be scheduled until you submit scanned copies of all required supporting documents, following the guidelines below.  If you cannot obtain a particular document, send an explanation of why you cannot obtain the document, as an attachment in .jpeg or .pdf format, to KCCDVDocuments@state.gov, with your case number in the subject line.  You will bring the original documents to your interview with the consular officer.  It is strongly recommended that you begin this process early.

Supporting Documents for DS-260 

  • Passport Biographic Data Page (all persons traveling with you)
  • Birth Certificate (all persons traveling with you)
  • Marriage Certificate (if it applies to you)
  • Divorce Certificate / Decree (if it applies to you)
  • Military Records (if it applies to you)
  • Prison/ Court Records
  • Police Certificates:  If you are 16 years of age or older, you must submit a police certificate(s) from all countries you have lived in.
From… AND… THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from…
The country of nationality if they resided there for more than 6 months is 16 years old or older the police authorities of that locality
the country of current residence (if different from nationality) if they resided there for than 6 months was 16 years or older at that time the police authorities of that locality
any previous country or countries of residence if residing there for more than 12 months was 16 years or older at that time the police authorities of that locality
any country where you were arrested for any reason, no matter how long they lived there was any age at that time the police authorities of that locality

 

*You do not have to submit a police certificate for the US if you live or lived in the USA. *

  • Change of name document (Affidavit of Change of Name, if applicable)

You only provide documents that apply to YOU!

Please read the next article about how to properly name your documents before you sent to KCC.

How to Obtain Police Certificate from United Arab Emirates for Green Card Visa

Police Certificate in UAE
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), known also as ‘Good Conduct Certificate’ is a proof of the person’s criminal record or the lack of it in the state in which he/she resides. In the UAE, the certificate is issued by police departments across the UAE and it indicates that the person is not accused or does not have any criminal precedents.     

Documents required:

  •  a valid emirates ID card
  •  a letter from the beneficiary stating that he/she does not have any pending criminal convictions
  •  a recent passport-size photograph
  •  a copy of the applicant’s passport.

If you are no longer a resident of the UAE, you need to get your fingerprint card from the country you are residing in and have it attested by the UAE Embassy there. A fingerprint card is an official report from the police department concerned, which verifies the identity of a person based on his biometrics and decimal fingerprint. Then, you can send your request for PCC online to Ministry of interior- UAE or to Dubai Police along with the following documents:

  • fingerprint card approved by the UAE Embassy
  • two recent passport-sized photographs
  • a copy of your valid passport
  • a copy of your last UAE visa
  • the reason for the application.

How to Apply
You can apply for the certificate online through the Ministry of Interior’s website and/or their smartphone app MOI UAE available on iTunes and Google Play.
You can also visit one of the MOI’s services centers and get the document done after filling the application form and paying applicable fees through the electronic payment cards. You also apply through Dubai Police’s website >>Dubai Police

Thank You!