Case Summary:      

In an era defined by both technological innovation and the challenges of misinformation, one computer scientist is making remarkable strides in safeguarding public discourse and enhancing digital health tools. We are pleased to share that NAILG successfully represented this Kuwait-born assistant professor in securing EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for her pioneering work in graph-based artificial intelligence (AI)—a field increasingly recognized as critical to U.S. competitiveness and national health.

A Research Focus at the Crossroads of Data and Impact

The client’s work centers on developing novel graph-based AI models to power more accurate machine learning applications, particularly in social media analytics, public health monitoring, and medical diagnostics. Her algorithms go beyond traditional methods by accounting for complex network relationships, enabling the detection of fake news, analysis of bot-driven misinformation, and improvement in diagnostic precision using vast datasets.

One of her most influential studies analyzed the amplification of anti-vaccine narratives on Twitter by bots and trolls. The findings offered policymakers new tools to combat digital disinformation—tools that are increasingly vital to national health outcomes, especially in times of crisis.

Measurable Contributions to the Field

● 14 peer-reviewed publications, including 13 conference papers (7 as first/co-first author) and 1 journal article

● 1,390 total citations (Google Scholar), placing her in the top 1% of her field

● Multiple high-impact articles ranked in the top 0.01%, 10%, and 20% of most-cited computer science works by year

● Peer review roles for IEEE Big Data, Frontiers in Big Data, and ACM conferences

● Conference service as a program committee member for the IEEE International Conference on Big Data

● NIH funding supports her research on combating misinformation and advancing digital health technologies

This scholarly output not only meets but clearly exceeds the threshold of national recognition required under the EB-2 NIW standard.

Demonstrating National Importance

Her research has received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—a testament to its real-world application. One of her most widely cited papers, published in the American Journal of Public Health, has over 1,300 citations and continues to guide work in digital vaccine communication. In fact, her influence extends globally: a 2020 study in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics noted:

“[Client’s] analytical framework enabled our team to uncover patterns of misinformation and targeted messaging that would have otherwise gone undetected—her work significantly contributes to improved health communication strategy.”

From the detection of fake news to AI-driven diagnostics for cancer and chronic illness, her graph-based techniques directly address U.S. public health priorities, especially given that medical misdiagnoses contribute to hundreds of thousands of deaths and permanent disabilities annually.

Overcoming RFE and Securing Approval

After the initial filing on January 22, 2025, USCIS issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) on February 21. The RFE challenged the strength of her proposed endeavor, but our legal team responded decisively, citing her exceptional citation record, federal funding history, and critical role in advancing AI technologies with both academic and public-sector implications. By June 23, 2025, USCIS approved her EB-2 NIW petition, validating both the strength of her case and the national interest she represents.

This approval showcases how expertise in computer science—especially in ethically aligned AI—can make powerful contributions to public well-being. From developing smarter diagnostics to neutralizing harmful misinformation, this researcher is building tools that protect the future. NAILG is proud to have partnered with her to secure this important milestone.