Trump says idiotic things every of the week. Honestly, it is hard to even take him seriously anymore – but I know people will be concerned about his comments today – so I will address them.
As many will know, there was a terrorist attack yesterday by a scumbag originally from Uzbekistan. As far as Trump can be believed, the terrorist originally gained his Green Card through the DV lottery program – and in true ignorant style, Trump began to discuss this as a need to shut down the DV lottery program.
So – can Trump act on that? Can he stop the DV lottery program, based on his whim? NO – he cannot.
The DV lottery is part of US immigration law. As has been demonstrated several times over the recent months, US law is more powerful than the ill informed rantings of a moronic president. He does have power to instruct his administration to operate in certain ways – so he could, for instance, slow down background checks and so on – but to an extent, we have already seen those changes over the last year or two (even prior to Trump’s election).
Now – Trump can ask congress to debate and vote on proposed immigration bills – and there are bills already in process that would, if adopted, end the DV program in favor of merit based systems. However, existing bills are very “ambitious” in their approach, to the point where the bills are unlikely to have broad support. Without that support, the bills are irrelevant. Could there be a new bill introduced that selectively ended the DV program – yes – theoretically that is possible, but not likely in my opinion – and would not be implemented fast enough to affect the current DV2018 program.
So to be clear. There is no impact to the DV2018 program.
In the immediate term the DV program has appeared in the news in this sad and unfortunate way. Trump had clearly never even heard of the DV lottery – he called it the “diversory lottery”.
Frankly, the method of immigration 7 years ago is largely irrelevant – whether this terrorist was here through the DV lottery or some other way makes no difference. The fact is, he became radicalized here in the USA. Trump fails to understand that.
Trump also fails to understand the many positive stories from the DV lottery program. People who come here through DV are brave and ambitious people. It’s hard to go through the process, and it is very hard to move to a new country and make a new life in a strange country. Those that do it want the best for themselves and their energy, effort and diversity enriches the lives of all they meet.
So finally I would say to keep calm. Ignore the words of the person who sits in the White House at the moment – and remember that the USA is greater than one unwise fool.
November 2, 2017 at 00:19
Like many I am also waiting for your post on this topic love you brit
November 2, 2017 at 00:21
My brother didn’t mention his work experience in ds 260 form can he take his certificate to the interview
November 2, 2017 at 00:30
Yes
November 2, 2017 at 00:28
Thank you Mr Britsimon .. I was waiting for an article from you explaining this .. your my only valid source
November 2, 2017 at 00:49
Thank you
November 2, 2017 at 00:43
From one fellow Brit to another, thank you so much, for personifying the epitome of British Common Sense!!!
November 2, 2017 at 02:34
LOL
November 2, 2017 at 00:51
🙂 Your words cheer me up: People who come here through DV are brave and ambitious people. It’s hard to go through the process, and it is very hard to move to a new country and make a new life in a strange country. Those that do it want the best for themselves and their energy, effort and diversity enriches the lives of all they meet.
I’m in US four months and as you say. It is very hard make a new life in a new country.
November 2, 2017 at 01:00
Well said Brit…. what does his instructions to authorities mean/impact in terms of investigating new comers? Am holder of GC and moving to US by end the month
November 2, 2017 at 02:31
No impact.
November 2, 2017 at 01:03
Thank you dear britsimon I was already scared that we won’t likely get our visa my husband and myself BC of this but thank you for the clarifications so we are still waiting on our invitation letter.
November 2, 2017 at 01:23
Dear Brit our case number is 38**** can we receive this November to get prepared for december or January ?am currently in Cameroon .please don’t get offended.
November 2, 2017 at 02:30
Is your number 3800 or 38000? Be clear with the *** symbols.
November 2, 2017 at 07:21
Good morning Brit Simon my number is 38000 so when can we receive the letter this November and get prepared for December or janiary session ?we submitted on the 30/05/2017 as couples pls don’t get angry.
November 2, 2017 at 11:03
No it will be summer 2018 before you interview. Patience.
November 2, 2017 at 13:50
Thank you Brit but I got into google and realised that summer periods varies in America like for instance in northern hemisphere its from may June July and August but in the southern hemisphere is from November December January February sorry am just being curious and plead with you to situate us thanks.
November 2, 2017 at 19:33
America is in the Northern Hemisphere.
November 2, 2017 at 01:51
Thank you! You’re an inspiration to many!
November 2, 2017 at 02:03
With regard to scrapping the DV programme on the basis of a terror attack , it would mean withdrawing EVERY visa type once a beneficiary of that visa commits such an act. So work visas , study visas , tourist visas etc would ALL be at risk.
November 2, 2017 at 02:05
That’s a huge relief!! Thank you so much for the post Britsimon! You’re awesome!
November 2, 2017 at 02:08
Hi Simon,
Just moved to the US and got my GC a few months ago.
I and a few other recipients like me are a bit scared. Would this be retroactive? Is our LPR status safe?
Thank you.
November 2, 2017 at 02:29
Not retroactive.
November 2, 2017 at 02:23
Even though I’m a DV lottery visa recipient I think it’s a poor idea and the USA should shift to a points based system like Canada or Australia.
November 2, 2017 at 02:28
And I don’t disagree with that thought BUT it should not happen overnight because Trump doesn’t make good decisions.
November 2, 2017 at 03:10
People who come here through DV are brave and ambitious people. It’s hard to go through the process, and it is very hard to move to a new country and make a new life in a strange country. Those that do it want the best for themselves and their energy, effort and diversity enriches the lives of all they meet. yes I m in us through thise system mostly working in operational area even if one have phd so I share brits
November 2, 2017 at 03:33
Hi Brit, I hope following the DV 2018 process that you are able to write a post documenting “the Cheeto effect” – Trump’s impact on people taking up the GCs. Can’t wait to read it.
November 2, 2017 at 04:47
LOL
November 2, 2017 at 04:04
I used to watch “The Apprentice” and it was fun, however with this another “Apprentice” episode, I am in it, and I am so anxious to hear the word “You’re fired DV, for good” I hope that won’t happen, been waiting for so long…
November 2, 2017 at 04:13
Hi
Me and my Family already got the visa in october
Our plan is to move to the US in February due to my responsibilities in my country.
Should we be conserned and make the move earlier.
Thank you
November 2, 2017 at 04:47
No
November 2, 2017 at 04:20
Ignore the words of the person who sits in the White House at the moment – and remember that the USA is greater than one unwise fool… So touchy and Positive sentence Love it .. Thank you Simon for inspiring us..
November 2, 2017 at 06:11
Thanks for the assurance, Brit.
Your kind words made my day.
November 2, 2017 at 06:39
Thank yo so much Brit,now I can calm down again…pheeeew
November 2, 2017 at 06:42
I am sorry for that long post… Thank you Brit, for all of your participation and helping people.
Also, that doesnt defend you from being bommed by already ones that are already inside. Isnt it? They can came other way as a refugees or any other kind of visa (also, there is a way of you are investor, and as you know, the money is not a problem for that guys who kills)
And i have to say that most of pleaople who dares to go that way of dv lottery are brave and ambitious. You have to mention that they came at their own risk, and US gov doesnt guarantee them nothing at all. There are no benefits, there is no social assistance, there are no obligations, you just get a chance to move to a new place of residence. at one’s own risk. on their own strengths and brains, skills and profession. But at the same time you still pay taxes, insurance … you fulfill all obligations to the state.
This is a very serious step.
But in against, all kind of refugees are welcome in US.
And most of US sitizens, born there, doesnt even know anything about that program and benefits for the country itself. And its okay, because there is only 55 thousand people per year are able to use that kind of lottery. There is much more normal people, who have some useful skills and trades and are demanded in US, wont be able to come, because most employers do not want to take on the issuance of visas, legalizing the location of a person in the country. Although the procedure is simple.
If it seems to you that this is normal, because you need to employ local people, then I want to tell you that most of these same employers hire a specialist for the same jobs remotely and unofficially, at a much lower price. And still, local people can not find work, and employers work privately with foreign specialists, just to save money. They work with me that way, and it’s not the first employer.
The private person simply pays for the result of the work done, the volumes and tasks go far beyond the boundaries of private orders. so … these 55 thousand people who, moreover, are carefully (not enough) checked at the embassies, these are not the people who go to blow up or kill – to be able to relocate you have to have education or labor experience of high grade, you wont have law problems, same as your relatives, and more… .
So there CAN be much more intensive checking on ebassies of US in countries that are allowed(far away from all over the world) to participate. That number of people, no doubts, can be inspected in much more detailed way, there is enough time to inspect them all well, since attorneys have almost a year for that.
This case is out of the ordinary. I express my sincere condolences to the relatives of these killed people, I know that Americans are open and sincere people, and that’s what I appreciate.
November 2, 2017 at 06:45
lol. People should stop panicking o! This man is powerless as far as DV is concerned otherwise he won’t be rattling about it. Diversity is what has made America what it is today.
November 2, 2017 at 07:34
Hi brit, my number is AF14***. I’m from Ghana. Can I be due for interview by January or February next year?
November 2, 2017 at 10:59
Probably.
November 2, 2017 at 07:52
Wow thanks Brit for the encouragement, I was down nd just hopping to read frm you. My self nd wife panicked cuz we hv just participated again for DV 2019 and believe we will be selected come May next year. Trump cannot stop us frm enjoying the blessings in the States in sha Allah.
November 2, 2017 at 07:59
Thank you Brit. Appreciate you comments.
I would like to offer my my sincere condolences to those affected.
Any person with bad intention can commit a crime whether he is muslim or came through dv program or any other type of a visa, he is still a human individual with a bad intention just like other US residents, who do so, and he should be accountible to his crime.
November 2, 2017 at 08:43
Dear Simon,
Do you think he can issue an executive order like he did with infamous travel ban or he needs to get bi partisan support on current bills (raise act). As far as i read, presidents are given too much authorization when it comes to regulating immigration law over other things and it would be such a big disappointment if he has a power to terminate this lottery overnight.
November 2, 2017 at 10:56
Presidents cannot change laws. They can (to some degree) change the response/behavior of federal agencies to certain aspects of how laws are managed, but when he tries to do that he will be kept in check as we have seen this year.
November 2, 2017 at 08:47
#People who come here through DV are brave and ambitious people. It’s hard to go through the process, and it is very hard to move to a new country and make a new life in a strange country. Those that do it want the best for themselves and their energy, effort and diversity enriches the lives of all they meet.#
Thank you for these positive and encouriging words:-)
November 2, 2017 at 09:16
Hi brit my CN ils 39*** have chance ?
November 2, 2017 at 10:53
Yes
November 2, 2017 at 09:23
Your words are more wonderful and express millions of people
Thank you so much
November 2, 2017 at 09:45
but mr britsimon U.S president have lots of power.he have the power to sign and order many things beyond congress.so we dont need to worry about his exclusive order on dv lottery ban??
November 2, 2017 at 10:52
Read the article.
November 2, 2017 at 09:45
Yes!!! I knew that you will write this post and very thankful to you about that!!!
I regularly advise people who have such suspicions to read your posts.
November 2, 2017 at 10:24
CAN HIS DECISION AFFECT THE ON-GOING DV 2019 REGISTRATION?
November 2, 2017 at 10:27
What was the final visa end numberof Asia Region for DV lottery 2017?What was the final number end visaisabove 11000 or below 10000 case number?Please reply me
November 2, 2017 at 10:52
9087
November 2, 2017 at 10:31
Thank you so much for your post. Has put our minds at ease. We won the DV2017 and we are flying over in February. Was scared Trump was going to stop this immediately.
November 2, 2017 at 11:00
Thank you Brit may you be blessed always your are such a wonderful person
November 2, 2017 at 11:31
He is crazy point blank. That bad apple was vetted and went through the appropriate channels to gain states lawfully. Meaning if he wanted he could if applied for a B1 visa and still would be able to gain acces to the country. So ehat would he have done ? Stop all visitors from entering the country because of the mistake of one? Its unfair and I hope he is not successful if shutting the dv lottery down. He will milk this one opportunity as mich as he can just like he is doing the travel ban. Like you said he probably knew nothing about this program until the unfortunate incident. Many of us that won are very productive residents or soon to be citizens, she he doesn’t need to put us in the same category as that scumbag.
November 2, 2017 at 12:36
Exactly.
November 2, 2017 at 11:38
And Simon You are doing such a great job, very professional, informative, and straight to the point. I moved over almost two years now and still follow your blog. Im speaking for all of us when I say thank you.
November 2, 2017 at 13:57
Dear Brit our case number is EU16*** can we receive this November to get prepared for december or January ?
November 2, 2017 at 19:31
I don’t have a prediction.
November 2, 2017 at 13:59
I wanted to apply dv lottery 2019 but this news is so shocking and very discouraging, will they consider this years entry or will just refuse everyone’s entry and send “sorry your entry has not been selected” I have a doubt if there will be more dv lottery in the future……
November 2, 2017 at 19:31
There is no point in worrying at this time. Enter the lottery – and wait for the results.
November 2, 2017 at 15:46
So strong and true!
God bless you Simon.
November 2, 2017 at 15:52
Dear Simon,
I have sent (ds 260) for me and for my family ,but now i will go alone to the interview , is there any problem in that ?
or i must open ( ds 260) and cancel my family?
November 2, 2017 at 23:38
You cannot cancel the DS260’s – so just attend the interview alone.
November 2, 2017 at 15:55
Dear Simon,
.
For dv lottery 2018,How many number of people from(EU& Africa) are selected case number between 1 to 10000?Please ur guss only not exact number,just approximation only please answer me Dear
November 2, 2017 at 18:28
Good morning Brit Simon my number is Af29xxx so when can we receive the letter this November and get prepared for December or janiary session ?we submitted on the 30/05/2017.
November 2, 2017 at 19:38
Many months to wait yet.
November 2, 2017 at 19:36
‘Trump also fails to understand the many positive stories from the DV lottery program. People who come here through DV are brave and ambitious people. It’s hard to go through the process, and it is very hard to move to a new country and make a new life in a strange country. Those that do it want the best for themselves and their energy, effort and diversity enriches the lives of all they meet.’
Can not agree or say more!Thank you Sir!For many of us who are here in America already,its been a challenging journey but life can always get better by the day.Thank you Brit Simon for this helpful Forum!
November 2, 2017 at 20:22
Thank u Brit Simon will remain all ears.
November 2, 2017 at 20:45
Hello Brit
My case nber is Af51XXX do I have any chance please reply without been offended
November 2, 2017 at 20:54
I don’t know. Really you just have to wait and see.
November 2, 2017 at 21:01
Opsssssss OK thanks Brit
November 2, 2017 at 20:59
Is president Trump able to change the attitude of the COs towards the DV winners in the interview ?
November 2, 2017 at 21:01
You can guess that as well as I can.
November 3, 2017 at 00:36
So our chances to get visa is far less compared to past ??
November 3, 2017 at 00:45
No, I don’t think so.
November 2, 2017 at 21:54
Hi brit. Thanks for all.
ambassy notify me today that I am sheduled on the 12 december but I have not receive my appointment letter On my esc.
Sorry for my english
November 2, 2017 at 22:31
Trump also fail to understand that he is not an American too He came as an immigrant ,if not him then his parents were Immigrant from Europe I think so ,I don’t even give a dam on what he said these days because since he took office he has not succeeded in all his attempt to transform certain laws in USA. He pays more attention to minor issue while important issue affecting the common man on the street he can’t address, “unwise fool” Trump.
November 2, 2017 at 23:39
Nobody knows now what whould happen. The Congress can pass ANY Law to change immigration Legislation. The Congress can EVEN pass a law which retroactively stop visa interview process for the winners of DV2018, let alone DV2019 process. So, we have to wait and see……..
November 2, 2017 at 23:41
Yes, congress can pass any law – but because they are not all utter morons, we can predict that they will act in a more sensible way.