The amendment of INA by the Immigration Act of 1990 instituted a new category of immigrants known as "diversity immigrants" or DV immigrants. Since the fiscal year of 1995, the Diversity Visa Program is conducted annually by the United States government — providing 55,000 visa to DV immigrants.
In 1997, the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) specified that 5,000 out of the 55,000 Diversity Visas be allocated under the NACARA program.
For more details, browse this document from the U.S. Department of State website.
For more information on how to apply for the green card lottery, get your free copy of our Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery Book today.