Lottery Deadline: December 3rd, 2006 By, Edward Juarez Immigrant's Voice (TV program) Column: October 28, 2006 Give your opinion on our Immigration Forum Edward's Blog
	Edward Juarez
	Founder and President

If you are selected by the lottery and also you meet the qualifications, this will help you to obtain your permanent residence.

Deportation: Fearing a deportation for participating is a myth! Although nobody can guarantee to you that it will not happen; keep in mind that Immigration has not deported undocumented people who have cases pending for their legalization. Millions started their case before 30 April of 2001 under the section 245i or, and the majority remains undocumented, without a work permits and have not been deported.

Case pending: Although you may have a residency case pending, participate; because if selected you might be able to obtain it sooner. If you began your case before April 30 of 2001, you are protected by the benefits of section 245i of the Immigration Act and therefore, you will be able to obtain your residence without leaving the country.

If a case never started: It does not matter! Consider that as beneficiary of this visa lottery, you would join millions of immigrants who are awaiting legalization for having started their cases after April of 2001. Most of Congress supports undocumented people who have cases pending, over those that will initiate a case under a new Immigration Law.
Your application for the lottery must be received, only via internet, before noon of December 3rd, 2006.

If you win, it’s important that you evaluate your personal situation with a professional who is an expert in immigration, to consider the laws that will take place starting October 1st, 2007. Therefore, I recommend you to participate regardless of what your migratory status is, unless you have received a deportation order. Remember that there’s always much more to analyze before formulating a legal strategy.