Arabic languages and linguistics
EB-2 National Interest Waiver — Merits Decision
Underlying petition: DENIED · Service Center Operations (SCOPS)
Legal elements discussed — Matter of Dhanasar
Prong 1 — Substantial Merit & National Importance
FAILPetitioner argued: Her research will explore innovative methodologies for teaching cultural competency
Evidence type: research plan
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) finding: INSUFFICIENT
“she has not provided a cohesive proposal for how she will undertake the widespread research effort she envisions”
Decision PDF, p. 4Open source PDF
Petitioner argued: Her efforts to mentor and professionalize language instructors have far-reaching impact
Evidence type: petitioner's statements
USCIS finding: INSUFFICIENT
“she has not explained what that impact would entail, nor has she provided evidence of her mentorship of other language instructors for military students”
page not extractedOpen source PDF
Petitioner argued: Her work directly supports operational readiness of U.S. military personnel by enhancing linguistic capabilities
Evidence type: letters of recommendation
USCIS finding: INSUFFICIENT
“the record does not include evidence demonstrating that her teaching activities impact national security to a degree commensurate with national importance”
Decision PDF, p. 3Open source PDF
Prong 2 — Well Positioned to Advance the Endeavor
NOT_DISCUSSEDProng 3 — Balancing the Waiver's Benefits
NOT_DISCUSSEDWhat this decision can’t tell you
This decision comes from a case that was denied and then appealed. Every case here is in that position — it cannot be used to estimate an overall approval rate, and it cannot predict the outcome of any individual case, including yours. USCIS officers exercise discretion on facts that are never fully captured in a written decision.
This decision turned on national importance. Describe your own work and see which decisions discussed the same issue.
Describe your situation →Related decisions
Questions this raises for your lawyer
- On Prong 1 (substantial merit & national importance), USCIS found the petitioner's research plan insufficient to establish that her research will explore innovative methodologies for teaching cultural competency. What would make comparable evidence in my own case more persuasive?
- What in my own case most resembles the specific facts USCIS focused on in this decision?
- Would additional expert-opinion evidence have changed the outcome here, based on what USCIS said was missing?