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USA Green Card Lottery.
Washington DC - It is that time of the year again. By the 1 November noon deadline, about 11 million people from across the world who believe in the elusive American dream, will send off their hopeful applications for the Green Card Lottery. Some do it for the hell of it, to see if they could be the lucky 1 in every 200 who win. Others see it as the only alternative to get into the U.S. or to escape from economic or social conditions in their home countries. According to Mitch Berenson, a South African immigration lawyer based in Los Angeles, there has been an increase in the number of lottery applications, largely because people from countries with financial, economic and political problems want to live and work in the U.S. "The U.S. currently has an unemployment rate of 4%," Berenson said. Natal University graduate Bernhard Wolfsdorf, an immigration lawyer also based in Los Angeles, said there has been an increase in South Africans who apply for the lottery. "Most claim that the reason for wanting to immigrate is the safety issue, " Wolfsdorf said. Fifteen years ago, Wolfdorf was processing political asylum applications, today his is taking on Afrikaners who see the green card lottery as their only ticket out. "Traditionally younger South Africans applied, now we see the full range of South Africans, " Wolfsdorf said. Paul Shane, an immigration lawyer based in Boston on the East Coast is a former Wits University graduate. He agrees with Wolfsdorf and Berenson that more whites apply proportionally, mostly because the education requirements for entry into the U.S. are very high. From Shane's experience, more English speaking South Africans apply for the lottery than Afrikaners. The reason being is Afrikaners' close affinity to South Africa, Shane reckons, because their culture is not to be found anywhere else in the world. "Afrikaners tend to choose the warmer climates when they do immigrate to the States with Florida and Miami as popular destinations." Shane said. This year approximately 20 000 visas have been allocated to Africa, but one country is not allowed to obtain more than 7% of the 50 000 available. Nigeria and Ghana have been more succesful than South Africa in the past in terms of the number of lottery winners. Ismail Laher, an immigration lawayer based in Washington D.C., is originally from Kempton Park. He studied at the University of Durban Westville and completed his MBA at Harvard University before going to law school at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. According to Laher, more Nigerians apply for the lottery than South Africans. "The Nigerian community is much better organised and the awareness is far more widespread than in South Africa," said Laher. He has made an entry form for the green card lottery available for free on his website. (www.laher.com) A record entry of applications is expected for this year's lottery. All the South African U.S.-based immigration lawyers, have emphasised the fact that many entries are disqualified due to common mistakes. These lawyers offer their services either by applying on behalf the individual, or by actually doing the paperwork for the green card on behalf of the winners. "Do it, do it, enter the lottery. The lottery is a groovy program for South Africa, but be careful," said Wolfsdorf. Most people pop their entry forms into the mail without realising the do's, don'ts and implications of the lottery application. Even entering the green card lottery is not just the arbitrary filling out of a piece of paper. "It involves potentially dangerous consequences, particularly for South Africans" said Wolfsdorf, who has practiced as an immigration lawyer for 20 years. . "The lottery is considered evidence of "immigrant intent" and the desire to live permanently in the United States," Wolfsdorf explained. When filing for a tourist or nonimmigrant U.S. visa after or upon entering the lottery, the U.S. consul is unlikely to believe the applicant would return home to South Africa because of the poor economic conditions and crime. A lottery entry is considered as proof that the applicant "has demonstrated that they want to live in the U.S." Wolfsdorf said. Although it is possible to lie about whether you have entered the lottery before, you would be committing fraud. Berenson also warned that legal advice might be necessary if you are applying for temporary working visas while entering the lottery. He said that those applying for student visas, also need to be careful as it could be seen as dual intent. Once you receive the notice that you are one of the approximately 90 000 lucky winners, the green card is still not necessarily a given. This is only phase two of a complex round of elimination which determines whether you eventually become one of the 50 000 who receives the magical entry ticket into the U.S. The green cards or "diversity visas" are distributed among six geographical areas, with a greater number of visas going to regions with lower rates of immigration. No country can receive more than seven percent of the 50 000 available diversity visas per year. South Africa generally receives about 3 850 visas. The lawyers have different sentiments and mixed feelings about the green card lottery. Wolfsdorf said it is a racist, bigoted program designed to handicap the immigration of Asians and Latin-Americans. Certain countries such as Canada, China, Haiti, the United Kingdom (except Ireland) and Mexico are indeed excluded due to their high immigrant population in the States. Laher said the lottery brings diversity from underrepresented countries to the U.S. "It is good for S.A. now that it is a global economy." Shane says one has to be very aware of the consequences, because a green card winner is obliged to immigrate. "Immigration entails sacrifices" Shane said. "You have to give up your business, take your kids out of school, make certain financial sacrifices, immigration often means going ten steps backwards." Shane said in South Africa there is still money to be made, whereas highly skilled immigrants often start new careers which are of lesser status and financial gain. He warned those who enter the lottery without intent to reside in the U.S. "South Africans have a history of winning the green card in the lottery and then not resigning in the U.S. They keep the green card as a last alternative when they have to leave," Shane said. He emphasised that immigration to the U.S. is getting tighter and stricter. "If you win, you have an obligation to come and live in the U.S.A." Shane said. One has to immigrate to the U.S. within a given grace period, the green card cannot be retained for indefinite intent. Laher also emphasised the conditions attached to obtaining a green card once you've become a winner. Educational qualification and proof to show that you have the means to come over and sustain yourself, is necessary. Resources: Mitch Berenson: mberenson@visastousa.com Ismail Laher: www.laher.com Paul Shane: PaulTShane@aol.com Bernard Wolfsdorf: www.wolfsdorf.com © RSA-Overseas & Matheson Communications [ Top ]  Kytie Koekblik ColumnIlda Jacobs Washington D.C. - Die lewe is vreemd. My een vriendin is'n voormalige Suid-Afrikaanse aupair in die U.S. Toe ontmoet sy haar groot liefde hier in D.C., kry 'n green card en 'n baba die gebeure oor die afgelope drie jaar. Werklik 'n geval van ware liefde, die Amerikaner het haar selfs Suid-Afrika toe gevolg met 'n ring nadat haar werkspermit verval het. Nou het die twee 'n kind. Hulle is nou ma en pa of ouers of parents met 'n rollende r. 'n baba-dogtertjie, Donderdag-oggend om 10:17. Hectic. Die gedagte aan 'n kind wat nou skielik joune is, om groot te maak in hierdie tye en eeu, 'n nuwe millenium babatjie. Whoa. Die dogtertjie is al klaar veramerikaans, want sy is nie in kilogramme en sentimeters gemeet nie, maar in ponde en duim. 6 and a half pounds and 18 inches, hierdie nuwe meisietjie. Ek hol weg as ek nou moet kinders opvoed in vandag se onsekere tye. Ek weet nie mooi of ek kom of gaan nie, 'n tydelike werkspermit wat my dalk oor twee jaar in die middel van nerens gaan los en nog 'n bom wat ontplof het in Suid-Afrika vanoggend. Is Amerika my tydelike tuiste, gaan ek teruggaan na my Homeland, allerhande Groot Vrae en Gevoelens gaan deur hierdie kop. Ek probeer hard om positief te bly oor S.A., maar die negatiewe media het al klaar 'n vatplek gekry in die beinvloedbare deurmekaar breintjie. En aai, dit is darem maar comfortable life in Amerika. Ek voel tranerig as ek aan lekker worsrolletjies of sweet en sour chicken pastei of my hondjies op Blouberg se strand dink, en ek is ekstaties as ek een dollar betaal vir allerhande halloween-gemors en lyfmasseer-masjientjies en toiletware vir een dollar elk by die Dollar Express Shop. Deurmekaar, dit is hoe ek voel, oor als. Ek kan nie besluit of ek nou eintlik in hierdie lewe 'n Verskil wil maak aan Allerhande Monsters soos Rassisme en Armoede en Misdaad nie, en of ek 'n gemaklike lewe in die kitskos-land wil hê nie. Dalk doen ek alles gelyk. Ek bly in Amerika en ek maak 'n verskil vir my mense. Ek en my baas beplan juis 'n non-violent oorname van die Ambassade. Ons het meer kantoorspasie nodig en ek kan nie wag om 'n groot party in die stinkhoutkamer van die Offisiele woning van die Ambassadeur te gooi nie. My baas sal die Ambassadeur word, want hy is 'n netwerker soos min en hy ken omtrent elke liewe Suid-Afrikaner in die VSA, hy sal jou in 'n japtrap kan help met enigiets, databasisse, prokureurs, goeie advies, en hy is 'n Engelsman wat kan braai en hy was al in Burkina Fasa. Plus hy ken elke gat in elke staat. Ek sal die tradisionele vrou agter elke man in die ambassade word, en regtig met 'n ystervuis 'n pantoffelregering i.p.v. 'n demokrasie instel. Almal sal minder betaal word, minder shrimps en oesters eet, en daar sal pap gemaak word vir offisiële funksies natuurlik want Kytie kannie kook nie. En die wat wil wyn he, sal moet tevrede wees met die goedkoopste, Tassies of 'n papsak. Alle geld in my ambassade sal gespaar word, al is dit net bietjies-bietjies wat voorlopig vir een kind se skoolgelde sal betaal. Ek gaan ons medewerker David aanstel as tweede in bevel, want hy sal vir honderde jong mooi mensies werk gee en hulle uitbuit. Ekself sal Media Sensor genoem word. Geen maar geen negatiewe beriggewing sal geduld word nie en ons sal net prente van die Berg op die voorblad hê van ons koerante, en almal sal gelukkig en gelyk saamlewe. Ons sal almal wat van ons verskil, vir ewig verban na Dassen-eiland daar tussen die robbe waar hulle hulle eie sosiale demokrasie kan begin met die hulp van die Volksfront. Ek sal ook immigrasie-inscentives aanbied vir Amerikaners: as jy jou dollars in ons land gaan spandeer, dan kry jy sommer 'n Werkspermit of Suid-Afrikaanse burgerskap persent. Ek sal ook onmiddelik begin met 'n sit-in boycot, ek het nog net nie besluit waarvoor ek gaan sit-in nie, ek sal daaroor moet dink. In elk geval, dit is sommer 'n BBP, 'n Baie Belaglike Plan. Ek is op die oomblik eintlik aan die wonder oor ons mentaliteit, en daarom weet ek nie of ek wil kinders grootmaak in hierdie tye nie. Ek vermoed daar is iets soos 'n morele krisis onder my generasie. 'n Basiese deurmekaar moraliteit. Ons probeer die sisteem uitbuit want die sisteem is in elk geval korrup; ek dink elkeen van ons is waarskynlik 'n potensiële misdadiger. Dit begin met kleine ou goedjies, my vriende wat bier steel by 'n plaaslike pub, of die glase wegdra, of nie betaal in restaurante nie omdat jy dink jy gaan nie gevang word nie. Is 'n mens nie veronderstel om dalk skuldig te voel nie? Of skuldig te voel as jy gelieg het nie? Dit lyk vir my asof daardie basiese vermoë, noem dit dan moraliteit, binne-in ons, ietwat geskommel met die koms van informasie-tegnologie en enlightenment. Waar trek jy lyne, ek weet self nie. Trek ons lyne, of is dit die choice of the individual. Ek weet nie.Ek weet amper niks meer nie, dink ek partydae. Ek kan geen kop of stert uitmaak van wat in die wereld aangaan nie. Soms dink ek dit was beter dae toe ek Niks geweet het nie en 'n lugleegte rondom my gehad het in 'n klein afrikaanse dorpie. Maar vreeslike dinge het rondom ons gebeur toe my Volkie in Onkunde was, en dit maak dit soveel erger om jou ignorance as 'n verskoning aan te bied. Ignorance, die een sonde wat ek darem nog kan onderskei. Dit is waarskynlik te blameer vir wat in ons landjie gebeur het en aan die gebeur is, almal weet net wat in 'n radius van jou eie huis en kop aangaan, en verder vertel die media vir ons wat hulle dink ons behoort te weet. Soos ek meer uitvind, besef ek ek weet al hoe minder. Dalk is dit 'n goeie ding, om oop te wees vir idees/nuwe dinge oor jy deurmekaar is? I really truly honesty don't know. Kytie K. Kytie Koekblik would like you to respond to her tongue-in-cheek running commentary on suburban life in America in this editorial. Fresh off the boat, she is ready to explore and experiment with American bath plugs and to drive on the other side of the road. You can contact her here. © RSA-Overseas & Matheson Communications [ Top ] Independent SA journalists win U.S. award
South African journalists Justin Arenstein and Sharon Hammond were awarded the prestigious Knight International Press Fellowship award for their outstanding contributions to international journalism. The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) honoured the two South African journalists from the African Eye News Service (AENS) and the Russian journalist Andre Babitsky for their commitment to uphold the highest professional standards and a strong independent press. At the ICFJ's Third Annual Excellence in International Journalism Awards Dinner in Washington this week, Board Director James F. Hoge, Jr. said the AENS provides a remarkable South African news service where "courage is part of the activity and quality" of their work. Arenstein and Hammond founded the financially independent AENS in 1995 after being fired from a local country newspaper for advocating equal pay rates for freelance black and white reporters. They launched the agency in the rural Nelspruit area with one computer, Hoge told the audience, mainly consisting out of acclaimed journalists. Today the AENS supply publications in eight southern African countries and in the U.K. with news and features. Hoge emphasised their professionalism, determination and accountability to their readership despite intimidation and legal assaults. The ICFJ awarded AENS for its continuous efforts to expose corruption, fraud and injustice despite death threats and attempts to undermine their professional reputation. "On a continent where press freedom is often nonexistent and the media is frequently characterised by sensationalism the Service's journalists continue to be a beacon for fledgling media outlets in the region and set the standard for accurate, community-based journalism in Africa," said Hoge. "It is proof that the small, independent media can make a difference without formal education" Arenstein said during his acceptance speech. Arenstein warned against the race card that is often used to discredit investigative journalism in South Africa. In-depth coverage that provides context as opposed to "hit-and-run reports" would monitor politicians and help prevent corruption amongst leaders, Arenstein said. The AENS has employed journalists without formal training from rural disadvantaged areas. Arenstein emphasised the need to desentralise the South African media, which is currently centered around urban priorities. A fellow Russian journalist received the award on behalf of Babitsky, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporter whose movements have currently been restricted to Moscow. He was detained by the Russian military presumably in an effort to silence his independent reporting on the war in Chechnya. Babitsky's dedicated coverage of the conflict without regard for his personal safety, has been praised for its objectivity and fairness. The first Greenway-Winship Award for excellence in promoting better understanding between nations was awarded to Audrey and Seymour Topping, a couple who has together excelled in journalism over the past 50 years. Audrey is an author and freelance photojournalist who was the first western reporter to report from Communist China in 1966. As a foreign correspondent, Audrey has covered assignments in South Africa, Vietnam, Hong Kong and the Soviet Union. Seymour Topping has had a 34-year career at the New York Times, serving as a foreign correspondent and eventually as the editorial director of the Times' 32 regional newspapers. He was appointed Administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes and Professor of International Journalism at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism. Donald Graham, the guest speaker at the ICFJ Awards Dinner and chairman of the Washington Post, recognised the work of these courageous journalists who are committed to independent free press in emerging democracies and the developing world. © RSA-Overseas [ Top ] SA Minister of Transport offers solution
Washington DC - South Africa now faces a "current nonmotorised transport safety crisis," according to the Minister of Transport Dullah Omar. Omar has identified the infrastructure design that has "historically prioritised vehicle mobility over people accessibility, in addition to the combination of relatively high car use and high pedestrian activity" as the causes for the crisis. At the International Transportation Symposium on October 11 in Washington, D.C., Omar delivered a presentation on bicycle transport as a low cost mobility solution of nonmotorised transport in developing countries. Omar identified the reservations of the Minister of Trade-and Industry, Alec Erwin, as an obstacle in the process of mobility improvements. According to Omar, Erwin does not want to import used bicycles. "We in the South African government have realised that the time has come to promote bicycle transport as a strategic solution," Omar said. Bicycle transport would be a sustainable low cost mobility option for travelers who are walking long distances in medium sized towns, cities and in rural areas. With walking the "biggest mode for trips in rural areas," and no affordable or available motorised options, over 3 000 deaths per annum occur due to pedestrian fatalities. In his address to the Symposium, Omar said bicycling would help children who are walking long distances to get to and from school. He also emphasised areas of co-operation between international governments and organisations. Possible co-operation from international players could secure low cost new and used bicycles and demonstration partnerships to develop "cycle towns" and "cycle villages". Other bicycle transport market developments, such as police officers on bikes and cycle tourism are other areas of co-operation are to be looked into. According to Omar, bicycle initiatives could provide opportunities for micro business entrepreneurs to open up repair shops in rural villages. The Northern Province MEC Dr TS Farisane and a delegation of thirty are also attending the symposium. Washington-based Professor Danie Rathbone, a South African born expert in urban transportation and traffic engineering, attended Omar's presentation. " I never thought bicycle transportation was a big deal but it sounds like a good programme," Rathbone said. Rathbone was somewhat surprised but pleased at the current bicycle initiative because just a few years ago, he had been in South Africa to discuss this form of transport only to find that there was no interest from the government. "Omar made a good point - there is a need for commuters who have to walk long distances to rail stations or to school children who have to walk to school." He pointed out that bicycle transport will bring about its own safety concerns, and that new safety measurements like bicycles lanes may well be needed, especially with the high road accident rate in South Africa. Following recent reports in local newspapers, the minister dismissed rumours that he was elected as the ANC's mayoral candidate in Cape Town. "I'm a Capetonian, but I was never considered by the ANC as a candidate, the newspapers are wrong. " Omar said. Omar also briefed journalists at the press conference about progress in other areas of transportation, especially with regards to law enforcement and safety. "We have undertaken road safety initiatives" Omar said "but the mobility question is to be solved." He is of opinion that the fragmentation of road- and traffic management and poor law enforcement is increasing safety problems. Omar pointed out that less than 50% of traffic fines are paid. African dreaming for US coach 
Washington D.C. - A young visionary American basket ball coach has decided to chase his African dream in the disadvantaged communities of South Africa. Andrew Miller (28) from Northern Virginia reckons basket ball will make South Africa a better place for all. "I have a dream and a vision to implement basket ball on all levels across South Africa." Miller said. Despite the threats of crime in South Africa and his comfortable life in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., Miller is willing to relocate to South Africa in order to see his dream materialise. He believes basketball will make a difference to kids, teenagers and communities because it is a neutral sport without any gender- or racial connotations. The sport was only introduced to South Africa in 1992. "Basketball will develop physical and leadership skills, it builds character and it teaches teamwork" Miller, also known as Coach Drew, reckons. Coach Drew's life changed after travelling through South Africa. He established an organisation aptly named "Hoop Dreamin" during his travels to explore opportunities for basketball. "Hoop Dreamin" aims to provide recreational, educational and growth opportunities for South African youth by developing basketball programs in disadvantaged communities. Miller spent several months in and around Johannesburg, Tzaneen and Cape Town to network with several sports administrators, basket ball players- and organisations. "Hoop Dreamin" launched its first basket ball programs and clinics in the disadvantaged communities and townships of the Western Cape Region. Miller ran a Coaching Development Clinic during June this year in the city of Tygerberg for 38 novice coaches to ensure massive participation of the sport within a township community. According to Linda Ragless, the Administrator of the Western Cape Basketball Association, practices are now being held in the Delft Community Centre three days a week. "Basketball is extremely popular in the disadvantaged areas where it is taking off the most. Most of the children play in their bare feet, on tarred surfaces. It is very sad to see but their enthusiasm is the light at the end of the tunnel." Ragless said. Coach Drew believes basketball can make a difference. "Physical education was removed from the school curriculum," Miller explained. "There are no recreational outlets for any of the children and Hoop Dreamin will aim to provide that vital education and outlet." The excitement and commitment of the kids in his coaching clinics, have inspired him tremendously. "We experience kinship. I am committed to making a difference, because these kids want it so badly." Miller says. "There are tons of risks and I see and feel the realities of South Africa, but I am committed to this." He has great dreams of being a personal coach for disadvantaged kids, running camps and coaching clinics free of charge and involving community leaders. His aim is to provide physical, emotional, social and intellectual stimulation and development to the children. "Basketball keeps the kids off the streets and out of trouble" Miller said. But Coach Drew has come to a crossroad in his life. He desperately needs financial support to allow him to return to South Africa, or else he has to give up on his visionary "Hoop Dreamin." "There are so many obstacles and fear, I won't deny it. But what is going to make South Africa better? I can live a simple, nice, easy, happy life, or I can make a difference. Everyone in America should help me." Financial resources are needed to fund "Hoop Dreamin," and Miller is committed to working with American coaches, administrators and business to secure financial support, equipment and other resources. Already Miller has negotiated a scholarship pilot programme with Dr Henry Flanagan, Headmaster of the Western Reverse Academy in the U.S. A selection committee has been established through the Western Cape Basketball Association and one top student will be given the opportunity to enroll in an American university programme. But a daily salary remains a headache. Miller has self-funded both of his South African basketball trips and living costs in South Africa so far. In order to realise his vision, Miller is currently lobbying for support in the U.S., and particularly from South Africans abroad who are earning strong currencies. "Give me some of their American dollars, get me to live in South Africa so I can coach these kids." Miller said. "It has changed my life, I feel like this is my calling." © RSA-Overseas & Matheson Communications [ Top ] Israel Travel Advisory Issued The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to draw the attention of South African citizens intending to visit the Middle East to the ongoing violent confrontation taking place in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as in some Israeli Arab centres within Israel itself. The Department accordingly advises South African citizens against visiting the territories and centres in question until the violence has been brought under control, as well as to exercise caution if visiting the border area between Israel and Lebanon, in view of a recent military incident in that region. It is further recommended that all South African citizens presently in Israel or the Palestinian territories or proposing to visit or stay in Israel for any length of time consider registering with the Consular Section at the South African Embassy in Tel Aviv, whose address and telephone number are as follows: Top Tower 16th Floor 50 Dizengoff Street Dizengoff Centre Tel Aviv Tel: (03) 525 2566 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT BASETSANA THOKOANE OFFICE NO (012) 351-0174 CELL NO 083 4437740 Issued by the South African Embassy - Washington DC - USA on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs [ Top ] |
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