Success Stories: EB-2 NIW Approval Secured for Environmental Health Leader Advancing Water Quality and Analytical Science

Case Summary:           

We are pleased to announce the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval of a highly accomplished researcher in the field of environmental health from Vietnam. As the head of a department dedicated to addressing public health and ecological challenges, the client’s work stands out at the intersection of environmental monitoring, water treatment, and toxicological research. The petition, filed on March 29, 2024, received approval on July 18, 2025, following a Request for Evidence (RFE). This successful outcome reaffirms the value of his innovative and impactful contributions.

Driving Innovation in Environmental Analysis and Pollution Control

Our client’s primary research centers on advancing simultaneous analytical techniques to assess chemical contamination in water and environmental matrices. His work addresses the urgent need to mitigate pollutants like industrial dyes, persistent organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants that threaten ecosystems and human health. In particular, his use of graphene oxide nanocomposites and electrochemical sensors to detect and neutralize pollutants demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach that bridges chemistry, engineering, and public health.

He also contributed significantly to the development of the Automated Identification and Quantification System-Database (AIQS-DB), an analytical platform that enables the identification of thousands of pollutants in water samples through integration with advanced mass spectrometry tools. These technologies form the foundation of scalable, cost-effective strategies for real-time environmental monitoring—an essential component of sustainable development.

Measurable Impact Through Research Output and Service

In support of his petition, we presented a robust record of scholarly achievement, including 95 peer-reviewed journal articles (13 of them first-authored), 2 book chapters, 7 books (4 of them first-authored), 1 technical report, and 5 patents. His body of work has accumulated a total of 1,380 citations, reflecting the broader scientific community’s recognition of its impact and relevance. Additionally, he has completed at least 70 peer reviews to date, underscoring his active engagement and trusted expertise within his field. His leadership has also been demonstrated through funding from the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research.

Endorsed by Leading Scholars in the Field

A notable recommendation letter supporting the petition highlighted the national and international relevance of his research:

“[Client] revealed the immense utility and far-reaching potential of graphene oxide in revolutionizing water remediation and chemical sensing technologies, opening new avenues for eco-friendly, highly efficient, and cost-effective solutions to tackle critical environmental challenges.”

This endorsement underscored the originality, scientific merit, and policy relevance of the client’s work—key elements in a successful NIW petition.

Establishing Eligibility Under Matter of Dhanasar

NAILG carefully tailored the petition to demonstrate the client’s eligibility under all three prongs of the Matter of Dhanasar framework. We established the substantial merit and national importance of his work in environmental health, his well-positioned role as department head and principal investigator, and the benefit to the United States of waiving the labor certification requirement to allow his continued work on pollution monitoring, green sensor design, and sustainable water treatment.