[stormbrew]

If they were actually accepting all applications that meet the criteria, that would make first come first serve more fair, but there are quotas so they have to reject N-1 applications regardless of their application.

Lottery systems are generally considered fairer than first come first serve because they don't advantage people who apply early. Especially in an immigration-related process where circumstances are likely to dictate when you can apply, not everyone will have an opportunity to 'get in early'.

If you have a way to make the process simultaneously non-random, fair, and not have a cap (which I personally would probably be fine with eliminating but is presumably a non-starter for various political reasons), I'm sure some people would love to hear about it.

[ihsw2]

Sure, just make the process much more restrictive. The idea is to take in the best, not help the most vulnerable.

[mortehu]

> The idea is to take in the best

Is that really the purpose of the family-reunification program?

[ihsw2]

That's a typo.

[Trundle]

Sure. Attach a price tag to it.

[stormbrew]

Ah yes, because "the people with the most money get in" is the absolute definition of fair for sure.