In spite of the economic crisis in the US, relocating to America represents a dream for many residents in the Kingdom. Many wish to immigrate because they want to ensure a good future for their families.

The number of issued American immigrant visas in Saudi Arabia in 2010 was 476, according to the American Embassy's website.

Some of the lottery winners want to make the best of both the worlds by delaying their going to the US. Most of the time, the winners are employed in Saudi Arabia and earn big salaries. But some postpone due to the fear of joining the unemployed ranks there.

Abdul Al-Rahim Ahmed, an Eritrean resident working as an accountant and living in Jeddah, obtained the green card by winning the lottery program in 2009.

He said: "I am looking for a stable country to live in. I am not planning to go back to my home, therefore, I entered the US lottery program and was lucky to be selected. I visited the US to complete my green card procedures and I have selected Phoenix, Arizona, as the place I’ll be relocating to in the US."

"The winners in the lottery program have to spend at least five years in the US to obtain the American passport. Every year, I spend currently one month of my vacation there and I am planning to settle there after three years,” he added.

"In spite of having a green card, I think finding a job in Saudi Arabia is easier than the US. However, the green card currently represents to me a guarantee to ensure a good future for me and my sons," Ahmed said.

Ismael Othman, a Somali resident in Jeddah and working as an English language teacher, said: "I live in Saudi Arabia to gain money to be able to go to US. I cannot come back to my home, because there is no government.”

"I tried to go to the US through the lottery program last year, but was not among the winners. I will try again this year," Othman added.