Blog

In response to my earlier post, completed questionnaires are starting to flow in. Thank you. I would like to allay any concerns out there about the use of information contained in questionnaires: 1. Completion of the questionnaire is entirely voluntary. Any possible resolution to the issue at hand will most likely relate to the entire class of 22,000, not just those who fill in this questionnaire. Obviously, I am not making any representations that completing the questionnaire will somehow help you. Nevertheless, I do believe that collecting and synthesizing information will be important going forward. 2. One of the questions in the questionnaire relates to privacy. If you do not wish your name disclosed to the Department of State, you would indicate “No” in response. 3. We are a team of professionals. We have been battling erroneous and misguided decisions of consular officers and DOS officials for nearly 20 years….

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support! We greatly appreciate it. To pursue the compromise solution proposed in my May 17, 2011 letter to Mr. Donahue at the Department of State, I believe it appropriate to gather more detailed information about the individuals who were winners. This additional data about the winners — who already filed with the Kentucky Consular Center? countries affected? etc… — will be critical going forward as all possible remedies are discussed and explored. If you are a winner, please complete the questionnaire at this link questionnairedv2012 and return it to me by e-mail at white@bridgewest.com with the word Lottery 2012 in the subject line. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. May common sense and justice prevail.

A national media outlet is seeking comment from DV–2012 winners. If anyone is willing to speak to the media about this situation, please contact me directly at white@bridgewest.com Please indicate Media in the subject line. In your e-mail please indicate your name, telephone number, and location (city/country) . Thank you.

The Department of State’s invalidation of the DV–2012 results has left 22,000 winners distraught. And they have a right to be — they did nothing wrong, started to act on their winning notifications, and now have had the carpet pulled out from underneath them. Why can’t the Department allow those winners to remain and conduct a new drawing on July 15 for 78,000–100,000 additional selectee slots? This is the topic of my letter to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, David Donahue: donahuefinal1

In an unprecedented decision, the Department of State has invalidated the DV–2012 Lottery results. Here is the official announcement: http://dvlottery.state.gov/ The Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services confirmed what was pointed out in earlier blogs and our letter to the Visa Office — that the Lottery was not random because the overwhelming majority (90%) selected were those who submitted entries on October 5th and 6th, thereby violating one of the requirements of the Lottery. As a result, a new Lottery will be conducted, with all entries submitted during the October 5-November 3 timeframe being eligible. Unfortunately, for those who “won” — they are no longer winners. However, they will have another chance to be selected. The winners will be announced on or about July 15, 2011. Stay tuned…