EB-1 Extraordinary Ability USCIS Appeal Review – Economist and Political Scientist – MAY042023_01B2203

Date of Decision: May 4, 2023
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability

Petitioner Information

Profession: Economist and Political Scientist
Field: Economics and Political Science
Nationality: [Not specified]

Summary of Decision

Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Remanded

Evidentiary Criteria Analysis

Criteria Met:

Lesser Prizes or Awards:
The petitioner received a medal established by a presidential decree in Kazakhstan for significant contributions to the functioning of the national currency. The decree and associated articles confirmed the national recognition of this medal for excellence in the fields of economics and political science.

Published Material About the Petitioner:
An article published in Zhas Alash in 1996 detailed the petitioner’s educational achievements and perspectives on economic issues in Kazakhstan. The publication was established as a major socio-political newspaper in Kazakhstan with significant national readership.

Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
The petitioner authored a report presented at an international conference organized by the Republican State Enterprise Institute for Economic Research of the Ministry of Economy and Budget Planning of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The report was published in conference materials intended for learned persons in the fields of economics and political science.

Key Points from the Decision

Awards and Prizes Won:

• The petitioner’s medal was found to meet the criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in their field.

Published Materials About the Petitioner:

• The article in Zhas Alash, an interview focusing on the petitioner’s educational success and perspectives on economic issues, was found to be about the petitioner and related to their work.

Original Contributions of Major Significance:

• Not explicitly addressed in the provided decision.

Participation as a Judge:

• Not addressed in the provided decision.

Membership in Associations:

• Not addressed in the provided decision.

Authorship of Scholarly Articles:

• The petitioner’s report presented at an international conference and published in the conference materials was recognized as meeting this criterion.

Leading or Critical Role Performed:

• Not addressed in the provided decision.

Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:

• Not applicable.

Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:

• Not addressed in the provided decision.

Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:

• The petitioner withdrew the claim for this criterion.

Supporting Documentation

1. Kazakhstan Presidential Decree and Articles: Established the national recognition of the petitioner’s medal for contributions in economics and political science.
2. Zhas Alash Article: Interview detailing the petitioner’s educational achievements and perspectives on economic issues, demonstrating national recognition.
3. Conference Report: Authored by the petitioner and presented at an international conference, fulfilling the criterion for authorship of scholarly articles.

Conclusion

Final Determination:
The initial decision denying the petition was withdrawn. The case was remanded for further review and entry of a new decision consistent with the analysis provided.

Reasoning:
The petitioner successfully demonstrated eligibility under three criteria: lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards, published material about the petitioner, and authorship of scholarly articles. The Director must now conduct a final merits review of the evidence to determine if the petitioner has achieved sustained national or international acclaim and is among the small percentage at the very top of their field.

Next Steps:

• The Director should review the totality of the evidence and conduct a final merits determination.

Download the Full Petition Review Here.