Written Answers. - DV-98 Programme.
Michael P. Kitt
Question:
13
Mr. M. Kitt
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
the discussions, if any, he has had on the diversity immigrant visa programme, DV-98; the changes or restrictions, if any, which have been put in place under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2831/97]
It has not been necessary to have discussions with the US authorities about the operation of the DV-98 programme, that is diversity immigrant visas to be issued from 1 October 1997 to 30 September 1998. Entries for the lottery to determine who may apply must be received in the period 3 February to 5 March 1997.
The only change compared to previous years of which I am aware is that the 1996 US Immigration Act authorised the charging of a fee to applicants, that is those who proceed with visa applications after being successful in the lottery. The amount of this fee has yet to be determined.
I am not aware of any restriction additional to those which applied in previous years.
Ireland's share of the total of 55,000 visas available worldwide is expected to be between 1,000 and 1,100. According to the US Department of State 1,118 Irish entrants — including 128 from Northern Ireland — were successful in the DV-97 lottery.
People born in Ireland, North and South, who have, by their interview date, a high school education or equivalent — e.g. a pass leaving certificate — or two years experience in an occupation requiring two years training, that experience having been gained in the previous five years, are eligible to enter the lottery. Only one entry per person is accepted.
Detailed information about the procedures is available from the US Embassy in leaflet form or by telephoning 6672707 or 6688049 in Dublin. Such information is also available from the Consular Section of my Department, from our Embassy in Washington or from our Consulates-General in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco.
The diversity visa programme is the only general programme which enables Irish citizens to reside permanently in the United States. On my visits to Washington I have frequently raised the issue of the future of diversity visas with key members of Congress in order to ensure that this important programme is maintained. The Embassy in Washington also carefully monitors developments in US immigration and other legislation affecting Irish people and frequently makes our concerns known to our many friends in Congress. I am pleased that, partly as a result of our efforts, last year's serious threat to the future of the diversity programme was overcome.
