The statement said, “The US Mission to Nigeria is aware of websites and messages advertising the U.S. visa lottery. All of these sites are FAKE! The only accurate information on the visa lottery is available at ng.usembassy.gov and travel.state.gov. Addresses with .gov are the only accurate source of visa information.’’.

The Immigration Act of 1990 established the Diversity Visa programme, where 55,000 immigrant visas would be made available in an annual lottery. The programme started in 1995 and the aim was to diversify the immigrant population in the United States.



Some of the fake messages circulating online, especially on WhatsApp groups, announces an online registration for the migrant lottery and urged Nigerians to take a chance of living in the US by applying for the US Green Card lottery.

The message read, “The Green Card unlocks the door to the United States for thousands of USA fans every year. It allows the lucky Green Card winners permanent residence as well as unlimited work permits for the USA. Every year, the United States grants 55,000 Green Cards through the Green Card Lottery.’’

Unfortunately, the Diversity Visa program has always been abused by scammers and the purpose is to defraud unsuspecting but hopeful immigrants.

Earlier, the US consulate in Nigeria stressed on its website that Nigerians were no longer eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery.

It stated, “Only people that were born outside of Nigeria or have parents that were born outside of Nigeria are eligible for the Diversity Visa. If you were born in Nigeria or to Nigerian-born parents, you are not eligible for the visa lottery. Some fake websites and emails attempt to mislead customers, posing as providers of official U.S. government information.’’
https://thejournalnigeria.com/visa-lottery-americas-immigration-policies-africa/

This should make the front page. Many Nigerians are gullible and would fall victim without adequate information. Thanks for this