Case Summary:

In October of 2020, an expert in the field of environmental engineering with a Ph.D. in civil engineering came to us seeking help with his NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval. We at NAILG have a lot of experience in dealing with clients who apply under the I-140 category. This is why we were able to aid him and find out that his proposed endeavor is to continue investigating chemical and biological wastewater treatment and resource recovery from wastewater and sewage sludge in order to improve sustainability. It was evident that his research is of great importance because it contributes to advancements in wastewater treatment and management technology.

This was the reason that he was able to obtain letters of recommendation from experts in his field, some of which are quoted below:

“[The client’s] research is representative of a larger shift in the study of wastewater treatment policy in the field of environmental engineering, particularly regarding the perception of the byproducts of wastewater treatment processes. Such research pushes the field in a far more sustainable and economic direction. Due to the myriad benefits of [client’s] work, it is imperative that he be granted a platform on which to continue his pioneering work in wastewater treatment and management.”

“[Client’s] research proposes a method which defrays the costs of such a system by decentralizing it. When applied to real-world contexts, such research results in substantial cost savings for urban centers. As a number of cities are still in the process of implementing major wastewater treatment systems, [client’s] research has clear global implications.”

“[The client’s] anaerobic treatment method thus completely eliminates this portion of the process, leading to considerable energy savings, as well as reducing the environmental liabilities [sic] associated with sludge disposal. Such research thus has clear economical and environmental benefits, effectively establishing the necessity of [client’s] continued work in this area.”

At the same time, his research has resulted in 9 peer-reviewed journal articles (7 of them first-authored) and 1 first-authored peer-reviewed conference paper. Moreover, these papers have been published in the top journals in his field, reflecting his peers’ recognition of the value of this research. His publications have also been cited a total of 78 times according to Google Scholar. He is also known to have completed at least 23 peer reviews to date. Since only the most highly esteemed researchers in the field are invited to evaluate the work of their peers, especially in authoritative journals like these, it is clear that he is seen as very knowledgeable in the field and an expert in topics related to his proposed endeavor. Also due to its clear national importance, his research has in fact been supported with funding from the National Science Foundation.

We are thankful to him for trusting us throughout the process, and it gives us pleasure to know that despite the delay, his NIW approval came through. We wish him the very best in life.

Case Summary:

Arrayed with an MS degree in chemical engineering, a postdoctoral fellow based in Massachusetts contracted with North America Immigration Law Group to help him in filing his I-140 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition. Our substantial experience in preparing for the NIW case established his research in the most highlighted way, focusing on constructing interfacial tension models to analyze wettability and fluid-fluid displacement to improve environmental and industrial processes such as hydrocarbon recovery, soil remediation, and heavy oil recovery. We were certain that his research is relevant to supporting the United States energy sector and developing more efficient energy practices. Thus, we agreed to the attorney-client relationship and organized a strong case on his behalf by documenting the following:

• Since his research seems to be of great importance because it enables and advances techniques that support cleaner, more efficient fuel extraction, agricultural, and industrial practices, it has also been supported with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This funding is reserved for research advancing the national interest, including research related to energy, nuclear, or environmental topics, therefore, its support to our client’s research proves that he is conducting transformative and nationally important work.
• Additionally, he already had an established record of success at the time of filing his NIW case, including the 90 citations, which were altogether gathered from 9 peer-reviewed journal articles (5 of them first-authored) and 1 peer-reviewed conference article, published in no fewer than 4 highly ranked peer-reviewed journals. This notable work reflects his peers’ recognition of the value of this research.
• Also, we discussed how our client’s research has an urgent need in the U.S. by incorporating five recommendation letters in his petition packet, corroborating that our client’s work is environmentally and nationally beneficial as it is improving the efficiency of oil and gas extraction procedures and subsequently reducing the overall energy footprint in the United States. One of his recommenders contributed the following:

“One environmental engineer whose work surrounds the processes that aid sustainable practices is [client], a researcher at a renowned Institute of Technology who studies interfacial fluid dynamics and flow in porous media. His cutting-edge research also supports the fabrication of other technological endeavors that the United States pursues, such as self-cleaning and electrowetting surfaces, micro-reactor droplet manipulation, and E-book screens. Since his research is wide-reaching, and since it directly correlates to the United States’ research-related priorities, he is a boon to both the United States and the field of environmental engineering.”

Despite a long wait, we are glad that USCIS took a good amount of time adjudicating our client’s petition packet and without any further request of evidence granted him the NIW case approval. We generously thank him for having faith in us throughout his I-140 case adjudication process and wishing him well for advancing his chosen field of environmental engineering.

Case Summary:

A faculty-researcher with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering contacted North America Immigration Law Group to help her file an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition. As a part of our services, the first and foremost activity we did was to elaborate her designed research work to develop novel materials and methods for advanced water and wastewater treatment using her expertise in environmental-materials engineering to remove contaminants of emerging concern and other pollutants from drinking water and wastewater and to remediate contaminated groundwater. Her stated project is of great importance because it addresses significant health and environmental risks. In addition, her research got funding support from the U.S. Department of Energy. These funding grants contribute to American security and prosperity by addressing energy and environmental challenges.

To emphasize her striking qualification and professional expertise, we also noted her publications record i.e., 9 peer-reviewed journal articles (5 of them first-authored), published in some of the most authentic journals in the field, gathering the impressive 137 citations from other leading researchers from well-known institutions and organizations. At least 7 of her papers are among the most highly cited in the field of Environment/Ecology for their years of publication. Further, we recorded that she has already conducted 16 peer reviews for well-acknowledged journals. This is an unusually strong record of success for a researcher and demonstrates her position as an appreciated researcher in the field of environmental engineering.

The below-mentioned lines have been taken out from one of the four recommendation letters provided by our client. She acquired these letters from her peers in the field, who proved how our client’s continued presence in the U.S. serves the country’s environmental agenda, especially in the domain of preventing water contamination-related illnesses.

“[Client’s] research addresses a critical gap in the field by offering comprehensive literature on the roles of zero-valent iron, activated carbon, and biochar in water decontamination, which is beneficial to ensuring safer water consumption. In summation, she is a distinguished researcher working in the field of environmental engineering who has improved the current state-of-the-art for inexpensive and effective drinking water purification and wastewater treatment methods. These research accomplishments justify the extension of her studies in the United States.”

We are delighted that our client achieved her NIW petition approval. Since we are experts in advising the latest adjudicating trends of USCIS, accordingly our personalized petition packet impressed the USCIS and she got the case approval in 7 months. We thank her for choosing our law firm and trusting us with her NIW petition presentation.

Case Summary:

With a Ph.D. in rangeland ecology and management, our client, a bioscience research technician from Libya presented all his abilities to advance his research in the rangeland ecology field. When he engaged North America Immigration Law Group to assist him in constituting an NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition, we commenced evaluating his substantial academic background and research summary on restoring and maintaining rangelands for improved land management decisions and sustainable agricultural practices, which is of great importance because he aims to restore degraded arid land ecosystems. Rangelands, which are predominantly grassy and shrub-filled lands where domestic livestock and wildlife are responsible for ecological management, account for nearly one-third of the United States. Also, his research, this way seems to be relevant in restoring degraded arid land ecosystems, promoting sustainable agricultural and environmental practices, and improving the U.S. agricultural sector. Thus, we put a few more crucial points in our customized petition packet to support his case:

• We noted the 6 peer-reviewed journal articles (4 of them first-authored) published in no fewer than 2 highly ranked peer-reviewed journals, which accumulated a total of 22 citations. This signifies that he is having a lasting effect on the direction of rangeland ecology research. Furthermore, he has also served as a reviewer for several publications and completed 6 reviews. Reviewing manuscripts is a cornerstone of the academic publication process because it assures that journals maintain their high measures of innovation and accuracy by only publishing work that has been thoroughly vetted by recognized professionals in the field. By reviewing these many reviews, he has firmly showcased his role as an authority in the field.
• In the line of support, we also specified that his work has also been supported by several grants from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the Oregon Beef Council, the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA), and the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station (OAES). The effect of western juniper removal on carbon sequestration capacity and transpiration levels has been published in highly ranked, high-impact journals, cited by many of his peers, and funded by notable U.S. government organizations. This is an unusually strong record of success for a researcher in rangeland ecology and demonstrates his ability to continue pursuing his proposed research.
• Besides, we added five recommendation letters acquired by his fellow researchers, confirming that his research in the rangeland ecology field is advancing breakthrough solutions to some of the leading challenges that are facing the nation’s agricultural sector as well as the wellbeing of ecosystems around the United States. Also, one of his recommenders stated the below-mentioned:

“Using his expertise in rangeland ecology, [client] is advancing research into novel methods to ensure the health and sustainability of the environment… His research is increasing knowledge of how diverse ecological attributes affect the overall ecosystem and the implications of shifting environmental conditions for global ecological sustainability and health. His research is increasing knowledge of how diverse ecological attributes affect the overall ecosystem and the implications of shifting environmental conditions for global ecological sustainability and health.”

Successfully, USCIS was satisfied with our client’s groundbreaking research in the rangeland ecology field, which has direct applications to enhancing global agricultural and land management methods and is therefore nationally important. USCIS adjudicated our client’s case within 11 months, and then he has conferred his NIW petition approval. We thank him for choosing our law firm to prepare his I- 140 petition. We cordially congratulate him on maneuvering closer to get his green card soon.

Case Summary:

Within 7 months and 16 days of filing the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition on behalf of a postdoctoral research associate from Nepal got approved by USCIS. The very moment our team evaluated our client’s credentials, she seemed perfectly qualified for the national interest waiver as she held a Ph.D. in plant and soil science as well as many years of concrete experience in the field of ecology. In order to achieve the NIW success, we assembled a strong case on her behalf containing the below-mentioned information and submitted it to the USCIS.

• Essentially, we described her research on monitoring the water quality performance of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) practices and how the research in her area is of great importance because it protects environmental interests both in the short- and long term.
• Also, we detailed the 135 citations garnered from the 14 peer-reviewed journal articles (7 of them first-authored) and 1 editorial she published. Moreover, our client is also active in the scientific community as a peer reviewer for highly acclaimed journals and had already conducted 10 reviews, at the time of filing. We observed that only proficient researchers in their field are invited to perform this important review work, and this frequent review activity further confirms our client’s important standing in the field.
• To support her case further, we added five recommendation letters that she obtained from her fellow experts in the field validating how her history of successful research, publication, and citation records demonstrated an impact on the field and have well-positioned her to continue advancing her research here in the United States. One of her recommendations has the following excerpt:

“[Client’s] research skills, innovative thinking, and experience in ecology are of enormous consequence and benefit to the US. As her research directly concerns incredibly important aspects of American infrastructure and resource management, it is crucial that she be permitted to continue her research in the United States. She has demonstrated an uncommon capacity for meaningful research.”

We are pleased that USCIS was convinced that our client’s research has had a positive influence on climate change mitigation efforts. Her work is invaluable not just to her field, but to matters of national and international interest as well. We would like to congratulate and wish her the best as she takes the final step towards her green card.

Case Summary:

A Hong-Kong-based research associate from Nigeria engaged the expert services of North America Immigration Law Group to help him in building an I-140 petition on his behalf. Armed with a Ph.D. in energy and environment and extensive experience in the field of environmental science, we were certain that our client is a suitable candidate for the NIW (national interest waiver) approval.

With over 16,000 approved cases, there is no denying that our team knows how to lead our clients closer to green card success. Our law firm is well aware of the adjudication trends of the USCIS. Thus, we began compiling the documentary evidence of our client. Our objective was to demonstrate his achievements to the adjudicating authorities and we exhibited the following details in his EB-2 NIW petition:

• We described his research on the meteorological influences on crop yields and renewable energy production, and his research in this area is of great importance because it has produced significant advancements related to wind energy.
• In addition, we noted the 8 peer-reviewed journal articles (4 of them first-authored) which accumulated 40 citations from other expert researchers. Our client’s published journals have been among the most cited in the field, ascertaining the wider implication of his methods and results.
• We also detailed that our client’s citation and publication records are a substantial testament to his scientific ingenuity and to his cornerstone importance to the field of environmental science, offering contributions of such value that would benefit the United States.
• To further strengthen his case, we incorporated five recommendation letters in our presentation. He obtained these letters from fellow learned researchers in the field describing the importance of our client’s research background and experience.
  One of the recommenders said the below-mentioned:

“[Client’s] extensive expertise in the field of energy and the environment has afforded him with a wealth of knowledge and a robust skill set that few others in the academic arena possess. These attributes are a monumental asset to any research institution or laboratory, and so set him apart as a uniquely valuable individual in the field today.”

The USCIS was successfully convinced that our client is well befitted to help energy experts in the United States by developing advanced renewable energy outlets, and he received his NIW petition approval which moved him one step closer to the Green Card process. We congratulate him for overcoming this lengthy process and thank him for choosing us for his NIW application.

Case Summary:

With a Ph.D. in civil engineering and ample experience in the field of environmental engineering, a Chinese researcher was a good fit for EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver). After a careful review of credentials, we concluded that we could help him secure the national interest waiver, and these are the key points we focused on:

1. We listed the 93 times his work was cited at the time of filing. We used this number to prove that our client’s publications are widely recognized and relied upon in the field of environmental engineering.

2. Our client’s publication record was also noted: 11 peer-reviewed journal articles (6 of them first-authored) and a letter when we filed his case. As these papers were published in the field’s top journals, they reflected our client’s influence in the field.

3. We also listed the 4 times our client was invited to judge the work of his peers. As only top-level experts are invited to perform review work, our client’s review activity highlighted his important standing in the field.

4. As with all our clients, we helped him select potential recommenders to support his case. Our client obtained 4 letters or recommendations, all from prominent members of the environmental engineering research community. This is what one of them noted about our client’s work: “By implementing innovative techniques that enable our climate models to produce more actionable projections, [client] has carried out research of incalculable value to global health.”

Overall, the USCIS spent nearly 10 months adjudicating our client’s NIW petition before granting their approval. We are pleased that our client secured petition approval and is now one big step closer to securing a green card. We wish our client the best as he continues to carry out impactful research.