Case Summary:

An expert in applied economics came to our firm for his National Interest Waiver application. His proposed endeavor was to work on conducting evidence-based empirical research on contemporary environmental concerns in order to promote sustainability, reduce climate change risks, and prevent natural resource degradation. It was clear that this research endeavor was of great importance because it advances sustainable production as well as resilience to extreme weather caused by climate change, a particularly pressing issue for rural populations worldwide. Not only this but his work also directly addresses the root causes of rural deprivation and migration and supports the goals of economic development and climate change resilience in these areas, which comprise nearly half the world’s population.

This is why two of his recommendations said:

“Eco-labeling is an important mechanism for promoting sustainability as it can increase production efficiencies, promote growth in cost-effective technologies, and reduce pollution. [The client’s] research illustrates the benefits of eco-labeling for companies and notes that the financial performance of businesses with eco-labels is superior. His work is critical for paving the way towards a greener future where businesses actively seek to improve their performance and reduce waste, including greenhouse gases that cause climate change.”

“The applied economist [the client] research provides valuable insights on how to mitigate and manage risks associated with farming, especially in the United States Midwest. His models explain the changes in the U.S. farm structure and offer data that is helpful to farmers, financial institutions, and policymakers who affect the financial management and investments of farms in the U.S. [the client’s] research is essential for encouraging sustainable economic growth and addressing environmental concerns such as food shortages. Thus, this letter is submitted to provide support for his continued research in the U.S.”

His research work is also significant for the United States since the American agricultural sector is a key contributor to the nation’s economic recovery, but at the same time, it is far more vulnerable to climate change and economic fluctuations.

Additionally, he has completed at least 12 reviews to date and his research has resulted in 28 peer-reviewed journal articles (10 first-authored), 6 book chapters (4 first-authored), and one monograph chapter (first-authored). Not only has he successfully completed and published the results of his research in the field, but his work has also gone on to influence his peers. That is, his publications have been cited a total of 443 times.

Finally, we said in our letter that with this kind of expertise behind him and 18 years of service in the field, he is qualified to continue conducting research here in the U.S. His academic and professional accomplishments are further evidence of his suitability for NIW approval.

We are thus proud that we could assist him in getting the approval and that too in just 11 working days. Thanks especially to the premium processing upgrade for expedited approval. We wish our client a bright future.