Case Summary:

“[The client] has a demonstrated record of success conducting research on such countermeasures. He has provided cutting-edge information on a phage that is able to reduce the virulence of the bacteria that is responsible for citrus canker disease. His research on this topic highlights the overall value of his work to the global citrus industry. [The client’s] work related to citrus canker disease, as well as his other projects, show that he is indispensable to the field of plant pathology.”

“One researcher who has distinguished himself in this line of inquiry is [the client]. His research has provided novel information on the host selection mechanisms that determine which phages are able to lyse different strains of the pathogen. Such research is invaluable for preventing and containing its spread. His research in this area shows that [the client] is a nationally important researcher.”

These were some of the expert opinions our client gathered in the form of independent advisory letters supporting his claim to the NIW (National Interest Waiver) category, before sending in his petition packet to the USCIS for adjudication with our team’s help. When we found that the client is a Postdoctoral Scholar working in the field of plant pathology, we made sure to personalize his application based on the demands of his particular case. We ascertained the extent of his academic publications and citation records as well as any peer review experience he had gathered over time, and an account of past research grants.

We discovered that his proposed endeavor has broad implications for the United States. His research on the proposed endeavor safeguards the American agricultural industry. This is one of the most important industries in the United States, as data from the U.S. Department of Commerce states that it was responsible for $159 billion in exports in 2018. Bacterial diseases, including wilting disease, are one of the most serious threats to this industry. Our client has conducted research that allows American farms to guard against these threats.

Moreover, his research has resulted in 10 peer-reviewed journal articles (6 of them first-authored), 1 peer-reviewed disease note publication, 1 abstract, and 1 trade publication. Moreover, these papers have been published in the top journals in his field, reflecting his peers’ recognition of the value of this research. He has published papers in no fewer than 2 highly ranked peer-reviewed journals. Not only did he successfully complete and publish the results of his research in the field, but his research has also gone on to influence his peers. That is, his publications have been cited a total of 111 times according to Google Scholar.

Due to his knowledge and expertise in the field, he has been regularly invited to conduct peer reviews for elite journals in the field, and has thus completed at least 13 peer reviews to date.

Taking all of the above into account, NAILG assured that the client got approval in his case. We are thus delighted to have represented him for the case at USCIS.

---

Case Summary:

North America Immigration Law Group (WeGreened.com) was hired to compose an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition for an assistant project scientist with a Ph.D. in plant pathology and molecular biology. Our law firm has a great reputation for managing I-140 petitions and I-485 applications efficiently. To begin with a client’s case, we always make sure of their credentials. Hence, we thoroughly evaluated his credits and observed that our client completed his studies outside the United States and held an advanced degree and as an expert in the field of plant pathology, he intends to identify the specific molecular interactions between plants and pathogens or pests to develop disease-resistant crop varieties, and disease and weed controls strategies for improved public health and increased agricultural profits. We were highly impressed by his education, experience, and expertise in the field. Thus, we countersigned the retainer agreement and started building a strong petition to represent his case.

Primarily, we affirmed how his research work in the field is of great importance because it improves the mechanistic understanding of plant pests and pathogens, which in turn inform practicable strategies to mitigate crop loss due to these factors, thereby confirming that his research has broad implications to the United States.

Also, we outlined our client’s thriving work that had influenced many other experts in the field resulting in 214 citations accumulated from the four peer-reviewed journal articles (two of them first-authored) and one first-authored book chapter he published. This signifies that these publications are widely recognized and relied upon in the field of plant pathology.

Not only did he earn his reputation from the aforementioned publication and citation records but also proved his elevated standing in this area by conducting one review as a peer reviewer since only knowledgeable experts in their field are invited to perform this important peer review work.

Furthermore, to corroborate the importance of his research continuation in the U.S., we advised our client to produce a few letters of recommendation. Successfully, he was able to obtain four letters and one of his fellow experts stated:

“[Client] and his work are important assets to the United States. His work addresses topics that are eminently relevant to the food security of the American people… His projects relating to overcoming wheat rust disease and aflatoxin contamination on corn are directly linked to the production of high-quality wheat and corn, two major crops produced by the United States… There is no doubt that the success of these crops is important on a national scale.”

Despite waiting for 7 months and 20 days, our client, fortunately, received his EB-2 NIW petition approval without any further request for evidence (RFE). We are delighted to help him throughout the process. Also, we would like to congratulate him on this milestone and thank him for associating and retaining us for his I-485 application now.

---