The congressionally mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is administered on an annual basis by the Department of State and conducted under the terms of Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 131 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-649) amended INA 203 to provide for a new class of immigrants known as "diversity immigrants" (DV immigrants). The Act makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
From the State Department: "Alien petitioners for the Diversity Visa Program will no longer be permitted to submit a petition by mail. Instead, the Department will require that all petitions be submitted to it in an electronic format, using an Internet website dedicated specifically to the submission and receipt of Diversity Visa."
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Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article regarding the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program):
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Congressional Mandate: The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is congressionally mandated, meaning it operates under the authority granted by the U.S. Congress. This implies that its existence and key provisions are established by legislative action.
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Administration by the Department of State: The DV Program is administered annually by the Department of State, highlighting the role of the government agency in overseeing and implementing the program.
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Legal Basis - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA): The DV Program operates under the terms of Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This legislative framework provides the legal foundation for the program, outlining the specific provisions and criteria.
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Creation of "Diversity Immigrants" (DV Immigrants): Section 131 of the Immigration Act of 1990 amended INA 203 to establish a new class of immigrants known as "diversity immigrants" or DV immigrants. This underscores the legislative intent to promote diversity in immigration.
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Annual Allocation of Visas: The program makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually. These visas are allocated to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States, emphasizing the goal of diversifying the pool of immigrants.
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Shift to Electronic Submission: According to the State Department, there has been a procedural change in the submission of petitions for the Diversity Visa Program. Alien petitioners are no longer allowed to submit petitions by mail. Instead, the Department requires that all petitions be submitted electronically through a dedicated Internet website. This reflects a modernization and digitalization of the application process.
In summary, the DV Program is a congressionally mandated initiative administered by the Department of State, operating under specific legislative provisions with the aim of promoting diversity in immigration to the United States. The recent shift to electronic submission signifies a move towards more efficient and streamlined application procedures.
