Date of Decision: FEB. 13, 2019
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Professional Basketball Player
Field: Athletics
Nationality: Not specified
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Awards and Prizes Won:
The Petitioner was a starting player on a women’s professional team that won national basketball championships in 2013 and 2016 and a bronze medal at the competition in 2011.
Membership in Associations:
The Petitioner competed as a member of the women’s basketball team at the 2008 competition.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
The Petitioner performed in a critical role for distinguished organizations such as the women’s team that earned an [competition] berth and a professional women’s team.
Criteria Not Met:
None listed specifically as not met.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The Petitioner received multiple nationally and internationally recognized awards, including championships and medals, indicating high recognition in her field.
Key quotes or references:
- “The evidence indicates that she competed as a member of the women’s basketball team at the 2008 [competition].”
- “The Petitioner was a starting player on a women’s professional team that won national basketball championships in 2013 and 2016.”
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
The Petitioner received extensive media coverage in a variety of outlets such as Eurobasket.com, Afrobasket.com, ESPN.com, FIBA.com, Basketfeminin.com, and L’Avenir.
Key quotes or references:
- “This evidence sets the Petitioner apart through a ‘career of acclaimed work in the field.’”
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The Petitioner’s accomplishments and sustained national or international acclaim were recognized through extensive documentation.
Key quotes or references:
- “The Petitioner has demonstrated her extraordinary ability as a professional basketball player.”
Participation as a Judge:
Not applicable.
Membership in Associations:
The Petitioner competed as a member of the women’s basketball team at the 2008 [competition].
Key quotes or references:
- “The Petitioner competed for national and professional teams in the top women’s division in Europe.”
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
Not applicable.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
The Petitioner performed in a critical role for distinguished basketball teams, elevating her to the top of her field.
Key quotes or references:
- “The evidence shows that the Petitioner played a key role for the national team and professional teams.”
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
Not applicable.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
Not applicable.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
Not applicable.
Supporting Documentation
List of Supporting Documents:
- Media coverage from various sources such as Eurobasket.com, Afrobasket.com, ESPN.com, FIBA.com, Basketfeminin.com, and L’Avenir.
- Awards and accolades received from national and international competitions.
- Evidence of membership and participation in significant basketball competitions.
Summary:
Each document provided evidence supporting the Petitioner’s extraordinary ability in professional basketball, her critical role in winning teams, and her sustained national and international acclaim.
Conclusion
Final Determination:
The appeal is sustained.
Reasoning:
The Petitioner has met at least three of the evidentiary criteria listed at 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3)(i)-(x), demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim, and shown that her achievements have been recognized through extensive documentation.
Next Steps:
The Petitioner intends to continue working in her area of expertise, which will substantially benefit the United States.
