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For the first time in America's history, an African-American has been elected as President of the United States. Senator Obama of Illinois won the election, with 349 electoral votes compared to his opponent John McCain's 162 electoral votes.

Entries to the United States 2010 Diversity Visa Lottery must be received by noon on 01 December, 2008.

The “Green Card” Lottery offers anyone, from a defined list of countries, which this year includes Russia, a chance of obtaining a permanent residence visa, known as a “Green Card”. 55,000 “Green Card” Lottery visas are awarded every year to successful applicants and their immediate families.

Whilst the application process is relatively simple, any applications with incorrect information are automatically denied.

From 17 November, 2008 citizens of six additional EU countries can travel to the United States without first obtaining a visa. 

The European countries which qualify for travel, under the visa waiver program (VWP), are the Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 

The VWP allows travel to the US for business and tourist purposes for a single stay of up to 90 days. Entry for work or study purposes remains subject to existing visa requirements. 

The EU Blue Card has been in the spotlight this week.

The idea for an EU-wide policy on skilled immigration was first introduced in 1999 but was put on ice in the aftermath of the Twin Towers terrorist attacks in 2001. It was not until October, 2007 that Franco Frattini, then-EU Commissioner, put an official proposal before the European Parliament and the concept of the Blue Card was born.