I have lost count (and frankly lost patience with) the number of times I have been asked about the latest moronic thing that Trump has uttered about his desired changes to the immigration system.
Some things you should know about Trump. He is not smart, not well informed, and tends to open his mouth before having something sensible to say. However, you should also know that the USA is a democratic system of government. Laws are not introduced on the mindless whim of a moronic president, we have a system of government that requires debate, agreement and compromise. A strongly supported president with a party that controls both houses could pretty much making sweeping changes as they wanted. But this is NOT a strongly supported president and both houses are anything BUT strongly controlled. So – when Trump utters his nonsense about how *he* will change the law – it does not mean that will happen as he thinks it will.
In recent weeks the government was needing to pass a bill on funding the activities of the government. Because that had a hard timetable to it, and because Trump wanted some funding for border security, there was a move to include some aspects of immigration in that funding bill. The changes were primarily around DACA. So what is DACA?
DACA relates to people who came to the country as children of “undocumented immigrants”. The undocumented immigrants either entered illegally, or overstayed on legal visas. Many of them were from Mexico, but not all of them. The children were treated differently because they were bought here as children and could not be held responsible for the actions of their parents. The DACA “children” (many of whom are now adults) were treated in an unusual way because they were often living in the country they had known from a young age, they were working, paying taxes and so on. Most people (around 70 – 80%) believed those DACA children should be given some permission to stay, but of course, if they were given “amnesty” and citizenship, that would open the door to their undocumented parents one day.
So – DACA was a problem that everyone wanted to solve – but disagreed on how to do it. Trump had set a deadline to remove DACA protections (established by executive order, not a law) in March, so that means (or meant) that DACA changes were urgently required. However, even that Trump decision is being challenged.
Then, one terrorist who came in 2010 via the DV lottery committed an act of terrorism in late 2017 and Trump became suddenly aware of (but not informed about) the lottery system and “chain migration” (which is the insulting way to describe family reunification immigration policies). Trump decided that DV lottery was “bad” and so was the chain migration. He wanted to stop both policies. He created a widespread debate fueled largely on his own lack of understanding and barely concealed bigotry. But the debate started.
Generally speaking Republicans wanted less immigration and were making suggestions of cutting legal immigration by 50%, and Democrats wanted more gentle changes. Family reunification and DACA are strongly supported by the Dems, and less supported by the Republicans. Almost no one was speaking up for DV, and there is common agreement that a more obviously merit based system should be in place instead of DV (even though DV is already somewhat merit tested with education/work experience standards).
However once the funding bill was passed without immigration changes, other immigration changes would have to be debated and agreed on their own merits. So now there are a number of bills being suggested that seek to address the aspects I have mentioned. Most offer something in return for something else. The only ones likely to get passed would be those that offer a sensible compromise. Too far to one side of the debate or the other has no chance of passing.
But there is a nice summary of the various bills available here. As you can see, not all the proposed bills would end DV, but as I mentioned before, DV does not have many champions. Please go and read that article. As you can see, there is MUCH disagreement about how to tackle the problem. If agreement cannot be reached, changes will not happen. So – although I do think the future of DV looks risky, it is not 100% certain to be ended, largely because the lawmakers cannot agree about what to order for lunch, let alone important changes to our immigration system. Stalemate means inaction – and that inaction is the best we can hope for at the moment.
You should note that all of these proposals are simply proposals. Any of them needs debate, and agreement and voting. Each would be crafted in a legal “bill” all of which will have a future date set as a starting date for the change. In every likely scenario, that future date is day 1 of the next fiscal year, meaning October 1, 2018 is the first time ANY of these bills would take affect – even if agreed to by both houses, and the president.
Now, let me say, because I know I am going to be asked hundreds of times, DV2018 is not going to be affected by these bills. Please, please don’t ask me about that.
November 5, 2018 at 20:34
Hello Brit
Please how do I track my case to know to know the status of my case post interview?
November 5, 2018 at 22:26
Until January, you can’t. In January we will have the CEAC system.
November 5, 2018 at 16:17
Dear Britt
I have my DV2018 Immigrant Visa issued since July 10th, 2018 and expires on December 20th, 2018; but, I recently have realized that my passport expires on March 31st, 2018; therefore, at this moment my passport has less than 6 moths validity.
So, I´m wondering if there is any American rule or regulation that doesn´t allow to DV holders travel to U.S with a less than 6 moths validity passport???
Thanks in advance for your kindly support.
November 5, 2018 at 17:28
Yes, get a new passport. Travel with old and new passports.
May 1, 2018 at 12:12
Hi Mr. Simon.
How is life with you and your family? I Hoped fine.
Please, I need your help. My DV 2019 Form that I filled have got missing. Is there any way that I can retrieve it? Not the confirmation sheet but the application form. Thank in advance for your kind response.
May 1, 2018 at 13:15
No. But you don’t need it.
March 23, 2018 at 18:04
Hi Mr. Simon
Thanks very much for the kind heart. Can Trump veto the spending bill in this critical time; and If he veto the $1.3 trillion spending bill over immigration issues, what impact will it really have?
March 23, 2018 at 18:17
The bill had nothing to do with immigration – and he signed it.
March 22, 2018 at 15:51
Hi Simon
There is a new bill to be voted upon on Friday (March 23, 2018) to prevent government shutdown. If this bill pass, will it affect the DV 2019?
March 22, 2018 at 16:22
No – there is nothing in it about immigration changes.
March 12, 2018 at 10:38
November 2018, will be the election day for senate, I guess, senator won’t have enough time and they are all occupied to defend their seats
I don’t expect any bill will be sign/introduce
Do you agree Britt?
March 12, 2018 at 14:45
The window for them doing something to stop DV2019 is closing,yes.
March 12, 2018 at 14:49
Nah, what a relieve, only finger crossed left for now for dv2019
March 11, 2018 at 15:20
Hi Brit Simon,am Cate from Kenya. what are the current charges of visa and green card?
Thank you
March 11, 2018 at 17:32
Try google.
March 6, 2018 at 09:52
Mr brit i heard there is another bill in congress which is called goodlatte bill ,this include endin dv lottery do you think would be get asupport thank you sir
March 6, 2018 at 14:37
It has been dismissed – but other bills could be introduced.
February 27, 2018 at 06:50
Ok briti than you ,but it is normal and have you ever faced such cases?I am worried more
February 27, 2018 at 14:43
It commonly happens.
February 27, 2018 at 06:31
Dear briti thank you for your great advise ,I get success on dv interview,with out your help I would not be successful simply.I have been appointed to take a visa 10 days after my interview date.but still they haven’t notify me and it is almost 20 after interview.is it normal??what will be there?thankfully
February 27, 2018 at 06:45
The only thing you can do is wait.
February 26, 2018 at 17:43
Hello Sir BritSimon, We are left with 2 days to end with the month and we haven’t receive the 2NLs and should we conceded it as NORMAL please.
February 26, 2018 at 18:30
https://britsimonsays.com/1860-2/
February 25, 2018 at 19:28
https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/new-poll-shows-overwhelming-support-president-trumps-immigration-priorities/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=wh
February 26, 2018 at 03:54
LOL – the whitehouse publishing overwhelming support for their own agenda. Shocker.
February 24, 2018 at 11:33
Hi Brit
Thanks for the really helpful supporting information you are offering, it is really much appreciated
I have my interview scheduled and I discovered a small mistake I did in my ds260 entry regarding date of joining military (the year was right but the exact date was + 1.5 months) as at the time I didn’t have the document with the exact date, however I put the date of finishing my military obligation right .. so what do you advise in this regards
Thanks
February 24, 2018 at 14:50
It’s not a problem. No need to do anything.
February 23, 2018 at 09:51
1.Hi Brits, for how long can one extend for his or her interview?
2.And if one misses it can he or she apply for the next DV if all goes well,thank you.
February 23, 2018 at 14:35
1. Not past September 30.
2. Anyone can apply again.
February 23, 2018 at 22:33
Hi sir,
I had my Bachelor Degree in 2015 and since then I haven’t been doing something, what do I write on the space Primary occupation and present Employees or School name?
February 23, 2018 at 22:40
Primary occupation would be unemployed.
Education History would list the schooling you completed.
February 23, 2018 at 09:27
Brit
February 23, 2018 at 09:25
Hi Bit, we are in the day of 23rd Of this month and nothing shows progressing on 2NL. And is there any inconvenience?
February 23, 2018 at 14:38
Normal.
February 22, 2018 at 23:11
should not I change my ds 260 when I arrive? I say it for the entries and exits in my passport to the country of the Dominican Republic …
February 22, 2018 at 23:41
You can update the DS260.
February 22, 2018 at 22:42
Regards Dear. I am a winner of Dv 2018 of venezuela, my case number is very high and the odds that call me to a date are nil. But in case that happens I do the following consultation, I have a proposal for work in the country of the Dominican Republic for 5 months. Would this negatively affect my DS260 or my interview? since the interview would be in the embassy of Caracas Venezuela. Thank you for your cooperation.
February 22, 2018 at 23:04
No problem.
February 23, 2018 at 14:33
Hello Marco! How you doing?. I am a winner too from venezuela and my number is 17XX and hope the next months the visa bulletin will be CURRENT!
February 21, 2018 at 12:52
Hello Brit,
Thanks for your great post. You motivate us about all without doubts. My question is do you think USE will give less Greencard compared to previous years. Or it will be same at 45K-50K like previous years. Because this year is really slow and I am not sure until now USA gave half of greencard visa.
thanks
February 21, 2018 at 14:57
The issued progress to this point is “normal”. As for where they will end up – wait and see.
February 21, 2018 at 16:15
Thank you
February 19, 2018 at 19:07
Hi Brits and thank you for your valuable support for us.
I am a DV2018 selectee with CN 2018AS00027XX from Yemen.I have unlocked the DS-260 to wait and see the Travel Ban latest decision on June.but today I surprised when I go to the entry check website and login and see there is an email dated one month ago with interview appointment for me and my derivatives on the end of March at Djibouti.My questions are:
1-Why you think I got the appointment letter although my DS-260 is unlocked and re-opened?
2-Because many Yemeni people stuck in Djibouti because of travel ban,Can I change the interview date to late June and location to Egypt because low travel expenses.
Please your advice to avoid travel expenses to Djibouti and refusal because the current travel ban.
Many thanks
Akram
February 19, 2018 at 20:11
Akram notes that KCC does not send any appointment to the emails they just send an navigation to your email: to check your conform number again from https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ the same number and page and confirm number that you knew you have been selected.
so check and see if it still shows you the same message of winning this mean your interview haven’t settled yet.
also, i don’t recommend that you let you your DS unlocked so the KCC will take around 3 to 4 month to processes it so submit your DS and wait for them to settle your interview if your interview comes and the travel ban still there contact the embassy to change the date of interview
February 20, 2018 at 09:54
Thanks ilyas.I got the interview appointment notification through http://www.dvlottery.state.gov after login not from email.
February 20, 2018 at 18:21
akram brother i thought it was email do i check my http://www.dvlottery.state.gov how can i know if my interview have been appointed
February 20, 2018 at 18:23
since we are banned we are getting visa have seen any yemen person that visa were issued thnk im from somalia
February 19, 2018 at 08:06
Hi Simon sir! !
We are always thankful of your tireless effort.
I have one more question regarding my ds – 260.
I have mentioned the highest level of education (baccalaureate )
But I am having only high school degree so it thats right to call it baccalaureate?
February 19, 2018 at 15:15
It doesn’t matter.
February 19, 2018 at 06:13
Thanks brit for your tireless efforts
February 18, 2018 at 19:30
Hi Mr. Britsimon I got a small mistake in spelling of the address which I receive the green card it’s like it must be (hubbard road ) but I wrote (habbard road ) …
And now I don’t know either open my ds – 260 or not my case no is AS65##
1. Dose it creates problem for me ?
2. As you know that I didn’t get the 2nd letter if I open my ds – 260 so does it delay my case?
3. Dose it needs to open my ds – 260? ???
Kindly appreciate your reply
February 18, 2018 at 19:40
You have to wait anyway – so unlock and correct now, that will not cause a delay.
February 18, 2018 at 19:46
You mean that is not a big mistake to unlock my case?
February 18, 2018 at 11:59
First I would like to say thank you for your unlimited cooperation.
I am one of the winner for DV 2018.My interview date is on march 1,2018 and I Prepare all the necessary document as per the requirement.But issues related to the following points are not cleare form:
1. Is the CO expect document from me about my sponser at the time of interview ?.If any please state
2.what type of personal information should I expected to know about my sponsor?.
February 18, 2018 at 16:13
Please respect my time by reading the answers I ALREADY gave!
https://britsimonsays.com/2nls-march-2018-interviews-sent/comment-page-2/#comment-103072
February 18, 2018 at 02:22
Very good advises regarding DV lottery but you should stay away from politics here. It is obvious that you hate this president but we are all hoping here that he will be our president too one day as he is the democratic elected president of the great USA .
February 18, 2018 at 05:01
On my blog I will discuss any topic I like!
And Trump is obviously a moron.
February 18, 2018 at 12:25
“we are all hoping that he will be our president too, one day”. I think we all have very diffrent reasons of wanting to live in the states. And, I also think, that Trump is definitly not one of them. Even if I went and lived there, he would be the president of the country whose resident I was, but even that would not make him my president, at least not until I am able to vote. The great thing about democracy is, that you dont have to stay away from politics and that you can say what you want about the president, without getting censured.
February 23, 2018 at 20:09
Well said, Rxy..
February 20, 2018 at 17:38
trump is a moron and racist
britsimon we love u and support you
February 17, 2018 at 20:07
Hey Brit,
have you ever heard of people that won twice in a row? 🙂
February 17, 2018 at 21:17
Yes, especially in OC region,. but other regions too. There are also cases of husband and wives BOTH winning in the same year, or from one year to the next.
February 17, 2018 at 19:35
Guys – Rxy, Moni, Tom, and other High EU CN gang members,
did you apply for the next DV Lottery year?
February 17, 2018 at 19:49
nooooo 🙁 I was so certain my turn would come in the beginning. Did you?
February 17, 2018 at 19:56
I did. It is uncertain if the next fiscal year ever starts though.
February 17, 2018 at 20:32
I applied but it’s unlikely to see the lottery next year. Sometimes I lose my hope with EU38xxx but I’m waiting.
February 18, 2018 at 15:09
No , Nicole I didn’t know how risky my number was and also it is very stressful. Another high number ….. a hole year wait and in the end………
There goes my brain
February 17, 2018 at 19:32
Right now I am scraping captchas and listening to music. My husband is in the USA doing business. If we won’t get the green card through lottery, we’ll still be able to go to USA on his working visa. However, the GC would ease the situation so much. Still hoping… Not so enthusiastically as before though. Good luck in your exam, knock ’em out with your genius! 🙂
February 17, 2018 at 18:54
Hey Rxy!
How are you doing? Congrats for amazing sports achievements on Olympics. 9 gold medals for Germany so far, that’s great!
February 17, 2018 at 19:09
lol. Im honestly not watching the olympics… I’m stuck studying for an economic exam. How you doing?
February 17, 2018 at 18:43
hey mister brit; my question is , if new immigration laws were adopted on november 2018, are those who will already join us throw dv2018 will get their green card? i mean those who will have their interview on september
February 17, 2018 at 19:50
Did you read the article above????
February 17, 2018 at 17:35
*** ATTENTION PLEASE***
Hi everyone, your help is needed with solving captchas! Somehow there appeared more than 18 000 new captchas! Please help us solve at least some of them to see what is going on at embassies!
Thank you
February 17, 2018 at 18:19
hey nicole! Im happy to still see you around 😉
February 17, 2018 at 18:55
Hey Rxy!
How are you doing? Congrats for amazing sports achievements on Olympics. 9 gold medals for Germany so far, that’s great!
February 17, 2018 at 04:14
Hi Brit. Can you please post the link of the bill.
February 17, 2018 at 06:37
Read the Vox link.
February 17, 2018 at 00:30
hi britsimon,
i made some mestakes in the adress where i will recieve the green card ,is it important to inlock my form ds-260 to correct the adress or no
my case number is 26000
thank you for helping
February 17, 2018 at 00:42
Unlock and correct. There is no delay.
February 16, 2018 at 09:03
sir britsimon please update us on travel ban yesterday appeal court rejected again
February 16, 2018 at 14:59
That is a second ruling, but the case is going to be decided by the supreme court.
February 16, 2018 at 05:04
Just have made donation. Thank you for you job, man!
February 16, 2018 at 06:43
Thank you for the kind support!
February 16, 2018 at 04:22
Hi Britisimon. Thank you for all your knowledge sharing. Is there any website to check 2018 winning percentage by country? and DV lottery cancellation is not passed in the bill that is good sign. How often the bill will be produced for voting. When is the next voting?
February 16, 2018 at 06:42
Winning percentages are bu region, not country. AF is about 1 in 200.
Bills can be introduced at any time.
February 19, 2018 at 00:30
Hi Brit
Sorry I could not get what is bu mean. I am Dubai born. I can see 16 digit confirmation number and I submitted during the last minute in dv2019. Using that how will I find whether it’s AF or BU.
Also my husband is from other country and he included me in his application as dependent and submitted and he has one confirmation number. Using that how will we find out the region.
Also is there a less chance for us because of submitting last minute?
February 19, 2018 at 00:48
It’s a lottery with a tiny chance of winning. The timing of entry doesn’t matter. Hold your further questions unless you win.
February 16, 2018 at 01:53
What about the veto that the WH warned to use ?
February 16, 2018 at 06:40
There is no bill on the table to be vetoed.
February 15, 2018 at 21:32
Another update: https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/as-immigration-showdown-looms-in-senate-trump-administration-is-doing-everything-in-our-power-to-stop-bipartisan-plan-official-says/2018/02/15/e0cff9d0-1260-11e8-8ea1-c1d91fcec3fe_story.html
February 15, 2018 at 21:41
Yep – the stalemate continues, and works in “our” favor.
February 20, 2018 at 21:17
Hi Brit, the senate rejected the bill and it gave me an impression like Yes, that is it!! dv lottery is not going to end soon (not only dv2018 but any future years) But in these threads I didnt see anyone or yourself mentioning “Yay, the future of dv lottery is safe for the next years” )))) all I saw was you saying dv2018 is safe. I am just curious if I understood correctly the senate’s rejection of the bill or more exactly the relevancy between this rejected bill and future dv programs. I am expecting my result for dv2019 and as usual i do not hope to win but also hoping to participate in the next year lotteries))) Thanks a lot
February 20, 2018 at 21:24
The senate rejected 4 bills, so there is no current discussion about ending the lottery. BUT there is still the DACA issue and Trump still wants funding for the wall. So – sooner or later immigration changes will be discussed again, and DV doesn’t have many supporters, so represents a cheap “giveaway” when the politicians start talking again. So – DV2018 remains safe, but DV2019 and beyond are still under threat of some future immigration change.
February 15, 2018 at 14:18
sear, brit i want to thank you from my heart for all help and advice. to day i have recieved my visa.
February 15, 2018 at 15:18
Finally!!
Good for you
Now Brit can get a little rest
February 15, 2018 at 15:46
Congrats!
February 15, 2018 at 16:43
Congratulation
February 16, 2018 at 04:24
Congrats.
February 15, 2018 at 10:34
No you need to attach the medical with you in the interview
February 15, 2018 at 15:16
Let me do the answering please.
February 15, 2018 at 08:34
Hi Britts, having reading article above, I am agree, there is question though
What it need for a bill to pass, I am speaking in term of various issues in the bill, just said, there are 5 issues need to be address, out of 5, 4 reach an agreement to pass, and 1 is denied by vote, what happen to this bill? Can it goes along the way to congress and eventually signed by president? Or is it need all 5 issued to be agreed upon to get this bill signed
Nis
February 15, 2018 at 15:07
Trump has “said” he wants any bill he signs to handle all four pillars he wants to address. Some of the listed bills do that, others don’t. The ones that do are unlikely to be passed by the senate, the ones that ddon’t might not be signed by Trump – so – wait and see. Maybe we will see more proposed bills introduced, or maybe someone will blink.
February 15, 2018 at 16:41
Well, in that case, disputed is expected, between the bill and executive, no wonder out there, so many people said that this immigration bill is so hard to come, thanks for replying Britt
February 15, 2018 at 07:54
Is xarths site down?
February 15, 2018 at 15:01
Not right now.
February 15, 2018 at 06:56
Hi brit, Safe to say Dv18 is in good standing. So if this proposal are passed can it in anyway affect Dv19 even though is going to be 2019 fiscal year??
February 15, 2018 at 07:54
Yes, it can. Read the article
February 15, 2018 at 14:50
Yes
February 15, 2018 at 04:31
I’m glad it’s good news
Your promise will never ask again???????
February 15, 2018 at 04:25
Wow. Thank you bro. Really encouraging
February 15, 2018 at 00:24
You are the man ?
February 15, 2018 at 00:27
Hardly waited to read it till the end ?