Introduction
<P>Around the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families face widespread discrimination. Most governments do not offer legal recognition for same-sex relationships. In addition, binational LGBT couples in many countries must cope with immigration laws that fail to recognize their families.</P>
<P><A href="http://www.hrc.org/issues/int_rights_immigration/5899.htm"><STRONG>read more about international rights</STRONG></A></P>
<H3>The Diversity Visa Lottery</H3>
<P>While U.S. immigration policy is based largely on the principle of family unification, lesbian and gay couples are prohibited from sponsoring their partners for immigration purposes. The Diversity Visa Lottery is a chance for foreign nationals to obtain a visa without a sponsoring employer or spouse. </P>
<P><A href="http://www.immigrationequality.org/template.php?pageid=32">The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery</A> is a simple, free, online-only program to provide immigrant visas (green cards) to individuals from countries with low overall levels of immigration to the United States. However, please note the chances of winning the Lottery are slim.</P>
<P>This year's Lottery is open now until <STRONG>December 2, 2008</STRONG>. Our coalition partner, Immigration Equality, has laid out a simple <A href="http://www.immigrationequality.org/template.php?pageid=32">step by step online application guide</A>. If you need assistance, please contact Pamela Denzer at <A href="mailto:pdenzer@immigrationequality.org">pdenzer@immigrationequality.org</A>.</P>
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