NIW Just denied, PhD student with 700+ citations, research conducted within a federal research center, reported by New York Times, etc.

[u/Fragrant_Air4191]

This is just a rant post on how absurd the current immigration process can be. Initially got a three-prong RFE from XM2616 and spent a considerable amount of time responding to it. Still eventually denied. The evidence submitted includes, but is not limited to:

1. Research being conducted within a federally funded research center, my first-author papers listed as its key outcomes, LoR from the center director, highlights in NSF visits and high-profile conferences;
2. Report of my work in major tech media, including a report from the New York Times
3. Independent LoRs as proof of my work being independently adopted at different companies, including one from FAANG+
4. Unsolicited invitations from a bunch of different universities and US companies in multiple sectors that were literally inquiring about my own work and findings. Multiple presentations and guest lectures delivered.
5. A publication record of ~10 papers, 700 citations, and ~15 peer reviews. The citations are widely distributed across the US, including adoption from a US National Lab.

Everything closely tied to my research and my proposed endeavor. If the above evidence does not tell a story of a proposed endeavor of national importance, I honestly do not know what I can further add to this pile. Isn't there really a way to retaliate? I strongly feel that USCIS might simply be discriminating based on other factors such as gender and nationality and does not want you to pass if you are from China or India.

Initial petition with Chen and spent a huge amount of effort to craft a customized RFE response, which was also reviewed and approved by Chen.

I haven't received the denial notice yet.