Success Story: From Market Turbulence to Economic Resilience: NIW Petition Approved for Industrial Engineering Ph.D. Student
On October 31st, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Teaching Assistant (PhD Student) in the Field of Industrial Engineering (Approval Notice).
General Field: Industrial Engineering
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Teaching Assistant (PhD Student)
Country of Origin: Iran
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Wisconsin
Approval Notice Date: October 31st, 2025
Processing Time: 1 year, 8 months, 11 days
Case Summary:
The ability to understand how consumers behave under stress has become increasingly important for protecting national economic stability. With this in mind, an industrial engineering specialist recently obtained EB-2 NIW approval for research that helps explain and ultimately prevent the disruptive effects of panic buying during emergencies. Supported by the legal preparation of North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG), the petition highlighted how his work provides practical strategies for stabilizing markets and strengthening supply chain resilience.
The petitioner’s research centers on developing economic and mathematical models that reveal how shortages, fear, and uncertainty cascade through supply networks. By focusing on the mechanisms that trigger panic buying, his work offers new tools for policymakers and industries seeking to maintain consumer confidence, prevent unnecessary demand spikes, and safeguard the availability of essential goods during crises.
With an M.S. in Socio-Economic Systems Engineering, he has established a solid academic foundation that connects complex systems theory with real-world economic behavior. His scholarly contributions at the time of filing include three peer-reviewed journal articles, all first-authored, which have received 25 citations from independent researchers in the field. His studies explore issues such as cooperative decision-making in supply networks, optimal supplier selection, and crisis-driven purchasing dynamics, topics that directly inform efforts to strengthen U.S. market stability.
The significance of his work is reflected in strong expert support. As one recommender observed:
“His expertise in developing mathematical models to optimize supply chain performance during crises is unparalleled. His achievements, including innovative contributions to supply chain optimization and crisis response strategies, demonstrate his indispensable role in advancing the field and underscore the significant value of his research to the United States.”
USCIS recognized that his contributions meet the criteria of Matter of Dhanasar, concluding that his proposed endeavor carries substantial merit and national importance and that he is well-positioned to advance it.
The approval affirms not only the impact of his research but also NAILG’s careful legal strategy in presenting the national relevance of his work. With this NIW approval, the petitioner is expected to continue developing data-driven approaches that support resilient supply chains, promote stable markets, and strengthen the nation’s readiness for future disruptions.

