Should I Participate in the Lottery?

Yes. Remember that it is a lottery, it’s free, you wont lose anything, and that you have a chance to win permanent residency. The Government will begin receiving applications only by internet after the third of October, until the second of December, 2007. Even though the final regulations have no been released, we can consider that, due to the rise in the number of residency applications, its probable that the citizens who were born in the countries that did not qualify last year will still be unable to apply. But to promote diversity in the process of legalization, I recommend that you participate in this lottery for residency, because if you are selected the process will be faster. If you, your wife, or your parents (while you were a minor) began an immigration application before April 30th, 2001, you are protected and can begin a residency application, under the benefit of section 245 (i), and if you are picked you qualify to become a resident without leaving the country. On the other hand, if you never began an application, consider that as the beneficiary, you are united with millions of other immigrants who find themselves waiting for legalization because they started their application after April of 2001.

The beneficiaries of this lottery should obtain their residency beginning October 1st, 2008 until September 30th of 2009. If there is a new law during this time, it could benefit you to obtain your residency within this year without abandoning your loved ones or your employer. Contrary to the fear of many immigrants, no one has been put in deportation proceedings for participating in the lottery or for completing their application after April 30th, 2001. In the end, I recommend that you participate without worrying about your immigrant status. Remember that there is always much more to analyze before formulating a legal strategy.Eduardo Juárez is president of the International Immigrant Foundation. For assessment of questions concerning immigration, visit the International Immigrant Foundation in the Immigrant Building: 7 West 44 Street, Manhattan, N.Y. or call (212) 302-2222.

INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANTS FOUNDATION
33 years, Guiding, Legalizing, and Educating Immigrants since 1973
O.N.G. UNITED NATIONS E.C.O.S.O.C.
IMMIGRANTS BUILDING: 7 W. 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10036
(212) 302-2222 – email: www.InmigrantsFoundacion.com

 

*Edward Juarez Studied sociology, International laws, and specialized in immigration.  In 1973, established the International Immigrants Foundation, a non-profit institution created to educate, help, and defend immigrants. In 1984, he established the American Multicultural Coalition and the International Cultures Celebration, conferences in the United Nations, and the Parade and Festival to promote intercultural relations.  With the goal of emphasizing the contributions of immigrants, Juarez established the “Immigrants Building” in 2003, located at 7 West 44^th Street in Manhattan, NYC, where the Foundation continues developing programs that improve the quality of life for immigrants. Currently, he is am active writer, speaker, immigration columnist in El Diario la Prensa, and host of The Immigrants Voice radio and television programs.