Date of Decision: January 7, 2020
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB-1 Extraordinary Ability
Field of Expertise: International Relations
Petitioner Information
Profession: International Relations Scholar and Consultant
Field: International Relations
Nationality: [Not Specified]
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Approved
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Scholarly Articles: The Petitioner met this criterion by providing evidence of his scholarly articles published in professional journals. This satisfies the criterion under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3)(vi).
Leading or Critical Role: The Petitioner met this criterion by demonstrating his leading or critical roles in significant organizations, including roles at the embassy in Washington, D.C., and as Head of a division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This satisfies the criterion under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3)(viii).
Original Contributions of Major Significance: Upon motion to reopen, the Petitioner provided new letters and evidence detailing his significant contributions, such as diffusing international tensions and aiding in diplomatic crises. This additional evidence satisfies the criterion under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3)(v).
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The Petitioner did not provide evidence of receiving nationally or internationally recognized awards.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
The Petitioner provided articles and media mentions, but they were not initially considered sufficient to meet the major media criterion.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The Petitioner’s contributions were recognized as significant upon further review with new supporting evidence, meeting this criterion.
Participation as a Judge:
Not applicable.
Membership in Associations:
The Petitioner did not establish that his memberships required outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
The Petitioner authored several scholarly articles, meeting this criterion.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
The Petitioner held leading or critical roles within distinguished organizations, meeting this criterion.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
Not applicable.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
Not applicable.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
Not applicable.
Supporting Documentation
The Petitioner provided various supporting documents, including letters of recommendation, articles, and evidence of his significant roles and contributions. The additional evidence submitted on motion to reopen successfully demonstrated his qualifications.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The motion to reopen was granted and the appeal sustained.
Reasoning: The Petitioner successfully demonstrated that he met at least three of the ten initial evidentiary criteria for extraordinary ability. The new evidence provided on motion to reopen sufficiently established his original contributions of major significance, in addition to his previously recognized scholarly articles and leading roles. The totality of the evidence supports a finding of sustained national or international acclaim and that the Petitioner is among the small percentage at the very top of his field.
Next Steps: The Petitioner has demonstrated his extraordinary ability and qualifies for classification as an individual of extraordinary ability. He intends to continue working in his area of expertise, which will substantially benefit the United States.
