Success Stories: Modeling the Nation: How Applied Economics Research Earned a National Interest Waiver

Client’s Testimonial:

“I believe your work was key to the success of the procedure.”

On March 14^th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Field of Applied Economics (Approval Notice).

General Field: Applied Economics

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Visiting Assistant Professor

Country of Origin: Colombia

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Iowa

Approval Notice Date: March 14^th, 2025

Processing Time: 1 month, 26 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

Behind every effective policy lies a tapestry of data, models, and evidence. And at the intersection of spatial econometrics and policymaking, one applied economist is helping stitch that tapestry with remarkable precision. Recently, this researcher—a visiting assistant professor—was granted EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval, recognizing the national value of his work in guiding public investments, managing urban development, and shaping data-informed decisions for economic resilience.

Understanding the Ripple Effects of Policy

This economist’s work investigates how government actions—whether subsidies, infrastructure investments, or regulatory changes—create spillover effects across regional economies. His research maps how policies targeted at one area ripple into surrounding counties and states, shaping employment, productivity, income growth, and even housing markets.

In one study, the client used advanced spatial econometric techniques to examine how Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding impacted local development, uncovering statistically significant increases in per capita income and employment in supported counties. In another, he assessed the productivity-compensation gap through spatial spillovers, highlighting systemic wage disparities and policy inefficiencies. This research delivers vital evidence to policymakers working on equitable urban planning and regional revitalization.

A Research Portfolio with Measurable Impact

With 9 peer-reviewed journal articles and a growing citation count of 98, this economist has influenced peers across multiple subfields of regional science and economics. His publications appear in respected journals such as Applied Economics Letters, International Regional Science Review, and Annals of Regional Science, with two articles ranking in the top 10% most cited for his publication year in the field of Economics & Business.

His research has been cited by authors from around the world, who have used these methods to study everything from refugee impacts in Latin America to housing market inequalities in U.S. cities.

Peer Review, Policy Engagement, and Teaching

In addition to research output, the client has completed at least 8 peer reviews for leading journals, including Economic Modelling, Spatial Economic Analysis, and Papers in Regional Science. This role confirms his standing as a gatekeeper of academic quality in applied economics.

Moreover, his professional experience spans consultancy roles in public institutions and a teaching portfolio that extends from data science to spatial econometrics, further demonstrating his commitment to mentoring the next generation of economists while advancing timely research.

Independent Endorsement: A Policy-Shaping Scholar

One independent recommender aptly summarized the impact of this work:

“[Client’s] findings revealed that counties receiving Appalachian Regional Commission funding reported an increase in per-capita income growth and higher employment rates… emphasizing the importance of assessing spatial spillovers and inspiring further research in this area.”

This quote reinforces the real-world applicability of the petitioner’s research and its ongoing contributions to public welfare and economic stability.

Well Positioned to Deliver Ongoing Impact

The petition established that the client is:

Engaged in an endeavor of substantial merit and national importance;
Well-positioned to advance it based on education, publications, and peer recognition;
And that waiving the labor certification requirement would be beneficial to the United States, given the urgency of addressing housing shortages, geographic income inequality, and data-driven policy development.

Filed in January 2025 and approved in just under two months with premium processing, this case reflects both the quality of the evidence presented and the alignment of the work with national priorities.

With this EB-2 NIW approval, another visionary researcher takes one step closer to continuing work that strengthens public policy and promotes equitable development. NAILG is proud to have played a part in supporting this economist’s journey and amplifying research that empowers smarter, fairer governance.

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).

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