by Victoria Chen, Esq., J.D.

Background: The employment-based preference visa petition was approved by the Director, Texas Service Center. The director’s decision was withdrawn and the petition was denied by the AAO.

The petitioner seeks classification pursuant to section 203(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (the Act), as a member of the professions holding an advanced degree. The petitioner seeks employment as a research Associates. The petitioner asserts that an exemption from the requirement of a job offer, and thus of a labor certification, is in the national interest of the United States.

The petitioner has been involved in research studying the correlation between nutrition and mortality in individuals infected with HIV-1, the virus widely believed to cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

USCIS Decision:The director found that the petitioner qualifies for classification as a member of the professions holding an advanced degree and that the petitioner had established that an exemption from the requirement of a job offer would be in the national interest of the United States.

AAO’s Decision: The AAO admitted the AIDS research has intrinsic merits and is national in scope. However, the AOO stated that evidence is not support NIW. To be specifically, the petitioner is credited as the primary author in only two of the research articles submitted with the petition, neither of which appears to be directly related to the research cited by the director as justifying the national interest waiver.

Rather, the witnesses have attested to the petitioner’s work with statistics and manuscript preparation. It appears, therefore, from the evidence available that the petitioner has been assisting with the research, but has not been a primary motivator.

The petitioner has not established any reputation beyond those individuals who are working, or have worked directly with him. Furthermore, the record does not show that this research represents a major milestone in HIV/AIDS research. While the research shows positive results, and adds to the body of knowledge about the disease, it could be argued that it would serve no purpose to publish research which did not do so. It is beyond dispute that HIV/AIDS presents a major challenge to the medical and scientific communities in the United States and around the world. However, it cannot be argued that an alien substantially serves the national interest simply by virtue of participating in HIV/AIDS

Thereofre, the AAO ordered that the decision of the district director approving the application is withdrawn, and the application is denied.

from Chen Immigration Law Associates

North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) is a U.S. immigration law firm dedicated to representing corporations, research institutions, and individuals from all 50 U.S. states regarding I-140 immigration petitions. We specialize in employment-based immigration petition and have a proven record of high success rate for the categories of: EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB1-A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability), EB1-B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) and O-1 (Alien of Extraordinary Ability).

Our Ten Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With more than 16,000 EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW and O-1 cases approved, we have first hand information on the manner in which the USCIS adjudicate I-140 cases. As the USCIS has constantly changed its adjudication standards for the EB-1A, EB-1B and EB-2 NIW categories, our firm's huge database of successful cases gives you unprecedented insight to USCIS adjudication trends. We carefully analyze the data for all of our cases and apply the results of our analyses toward giving our clients up-to-date advice and adapting our strategies such that we remain on par with the ever-shifting landscape of immigration law in the U.S. With us, you will always have access to important updates, strategies, and information so that you can make the most informed decisions about your case.

We Have Helped Hundreds and Thousands of Clients with Credentials and Backgrounds Similar to Yours

With our exceedingly large number of successful petitions, no matter what credentials you have, no matter your background and field of expertise, no matter your visa status or nationality, chances are we have helped hundreds or even thousands of clients just like you. Our clients are usually impressed with how well we understand their research and work. Our insight and understanding stems from the fact that we have handled many cases with elements similar to yours already, and this helps us devise the best strategies for each individual petition.

Vast Majority of Clients Came to Us Because of Referrals

For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family. We take pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that we provide a green card application experience that our clients are happy to share with their friends and colleagues. That is how our approved cases grew from 600 in 2013 to over 3,500 in 2019.

---

To see more clients’ testimonials and approvals, please refer to:

Client's Testimonials

Approval Notices

To Learn More About Your Options CLICK HERE

---

Copyright © North America Immigration Law Group – WeGreened.com, All Rights Reserved.