After releasing a report that shows nearly 10,000 immigrants from countries supporting terrorism were granted permanent residency since 2000, the Government Accountability Office has asked to alter the Diversity Visa Program that brought them here.
The GAO recommended the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs bar foreigners from these countries from participating in the visa lottery aimed at increasing immigration from areas with low rates of travel to the United States. This would include all countries on the government's list of states that sponsor terrorism: Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria and North Korea.
The Bureau told the Associated Press that it agrees with the recommendation in principle, but is concerned for those fleeing from oppressive regimes. Limiting the countries that can participate in the lottery also diminishes the program's goal of diversity.
Ted Kennedy defended the program from a previous attempt to amend it saying, "The purpose is...to preserve our very heritage as a nation of immigrants and a true melting pot. Unlike other visa categories, the diversity visa is not about who you know, or to whom you are related. It is a totally unique program because anyone with a high school degree or two years of meaningful work experience can apply." Read more of Kennedy's defense here.
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