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.