Date of Decision: JULY 2, 2019
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Journalist
Field: Journalism
Nationality: Venezuelan
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Published material about the petitioner: Demonstrated by articles published about her work in professional or major trade publications.
- Judging the work of others: Served as a judge in numerous journalism award selections.
- Leading or critical role: Played a leading role in the TV program “A Day with [the Petitioner].”
Criteria Not Met:
- Awards and Prizes Won: Most awards were local and did not indicate recognition outside the local region. Lacked evidence of national or international acclaim.
- Original Contributions of Major Significance: No evidence of acclaim or significant recognition from her journalistic work or her role in academia.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
- Received several awards, primarily local; lacked international acclaim.
- Insufficient evidence that awards were recognized nationally or internationally.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
- Articles in major Venezuelan newspapers and regional publications; however, the impact and recognition level were insufficient for proving national or international acclaim.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
- Contributions in journalism and education noted, but no substantial evidence provided that these were recognized nationally or internationally.
Participation as a Judge:
- Participated as a judge in several award selections, but the significance and level of these awards were not sufficient to demonstrate the required level of acclaim.
Membership in Associations: Not specifically addressed in the appeal document.
Authorship of scholarly articles:
- Authored articles and books, with no substantial evidence of national or international acclaim.
Leading or critical role performed:
- Leading role in a television program noted, but again, evidence was only sufficient at a local or regional level.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases: Not applicable.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration: Not specifically addressed.
Commercial successes in the Performing Arts: Not applicable.
Supporting Documentation
- Articles about the Petitioner’s work in journalism.
- Letters and documents from colleagues and institutions.
- Awards and certificates received over the years.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The Petitioner’s appeal is dismissed.
Reasoning:
- The Petitioner failed to demonstrate that her achievements were recognized at the national or international level as required for the EB-1 extraordinary ability category.
- The evidence provided was deemed insufficient to meet the stringent criteria set forth for this visa classification.
Next Steps:
- It is recommended that the Petitioner gathers more robust documentation of national or international acclaim if considering re-application.
