The Petitioner sought to run a mediation and conflict-resolution project/consultancy in U.S. schools, having students write texts on peacebuilding topics displayed via phone-projection to promote conflict resolution among youth.

Prong 1 — national importancenot established · dispositive

“However, these letters discuss the importance of confliction resolution rather than focusing on the national importance of the Petitioner's specific, proposed endeavor.”

“The record does not show through supporting documentation how his endeavor sufficiently extends beyond his prospective employer or clients, to impact the field or the U.S. economy more broadly at a level commensurate with national importance.”

“Finally, the Petitioner did not show how his endeavor involving conflict resolution services has significant potential to employ U.S. workers or otherwise offer substantial positive economic effects for our nation.”

“Here, the Petitioner did not demonstrate how his services largely influence the field and rise to the level of national importance.”

AAO decision text

How the evidence was treated

• recommendation letter · discounted

  “these letters discuss the importance of confliction resolution rather than focusing on the national importance of the Petitioner's specific, proposed endeavor”

  AAO decision text
• business plan · ignored
• other · discounted

  “The Petitioner's arguments and evidence relate to the substantial merit aspect of the proposed endeavor rather than the national importance part.”

  AAO decision text
• degree · credited

Where this case turned

• Economic claims unsupported · p1 — job/revenue projections with no corroborating basis
• Endeavor too vague · p1 — described as a job role, not a defined undertaking
• Letters conclusory · p1 — letters praise skills in general terms without tracing specific impact
• Local, not national scope · p1 — impact confined to clients / a region

Notable

AAO found the Director's mischaracterization of the endeavor as 'Consultant in the Field of Healthcare' to be harmless error since the Director substantively addressed the actual conflict-resolution endeavor; substantial merit was conceded/credited but national importance failed, disposing of the case at prong 1.

Authorities this decision leans on

From the doctrinal survivor set — 187 authority tests across 47 distinct authorities cleared the differential-lift gates. Only those appear here.

• 8 C.F.R. 103.3
• Flores v. Garland
• INA 203(b)(2)
• Matter of L-A-C-

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