I worked hard to obtain my Ph.D. in pharmacology at UNC Chapel Hill and I proved, as a cancer researcher and law-abiding citizen, that I was eligible for a green card (that cost my family $7000+). The lottery completely undermines the selection process of smart, hardworking people that will pay taxes and contribute meaningfully to society. Does diversifying the workforce actually work this way? I diversify the scientific community without winning the lottery. The lottery may also contribute to the backlog of green cards being processed for those of us who went through the process.