Source-backed decision research

Explore how AAO evaluates evidence.

Search a substantial collection of case-specific reasoning, then narrow it by petition, field, legal issue, or date.

This expanded collection favors source-backed access over perfect automated classification. Fields, labels, summaries, and relevance may contain errors; records marked ‘broader context’ need extra care. Review the cited source before relying on any record. These appeals and motions do not show approval odds or denial rates, and are not legal advice or a prediction.

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10,847 decisions / 36,849 findings

Showing 18031–18040

EB-1AEB-1A · JudgingEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Judging

judging

Why the evidence was persuasive

The judging license combined with the letter listing six national gymnastics competitions at which the Petitioner served as a judge establishes actual participation in judging, satisfying the plain language of the criterion.

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The judging license combined with the letter listing six national gymnastics competitions at which the Petitioner served as a judge establishes actual participation in judging, satisfying the plain language of the criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-20_02_B2203; source_row=20277
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

final merits determination

Why the evidence was persuasive

The totality of evidence, including the Petitioner's long record of developing elite gymnasts, his critical role at a distinguished institution, his participation in the authoritative national training syllabus, and his high-level judging license, establishes sustained national and international acclaim at the very top of the field.

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The totality of evidence, including the Petitioner's long record of developing elite gymnasts, his critical role at a distinguished institution, his participation in the authoritative national training syllabus, and his high-level judging license, establishes sustained national and international acclaim at the very top of the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-20_02_B2203; source_row=20280
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role for distinguished organization

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Petitioner, as one of four head gymnastics coaches and the only one to have trained an elite-level athlete, has played a critical role at a nationally distinguished sports institution whose reputation is built substantially on gymnastics achievements.

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The Petitioner, as one of four head gymnastics coaches and the only one to have trained an elite-level athlete, has played a critical role at a nationally distinguished sports institution whose reputation is built substantially on gymnastics achievements.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-20_02_B2203; source_row=20279
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Original contributions

original contributions of major significance

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Petitioner's contribution to the authoritative national gymnastics training syllabus—selected as one of only 23 experts for a three-year compilation process intended to maintain China's dominant position in international gymnastics—constitutes an athletic contribution of major significance in the field.

Why this is useful

Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.

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The Petitioner's contribution to the authoritative national gymnastics training syllabus—selected as one of only 23 experts for a three-year compilation process intended to maintain China's dominant position in international gymnastics—constitutes an athletic contribution of major significance in the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-20_02_B2203; source_row=20278
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Original contributions

original contributions of major significance in the field

Why AAO was not persuaded

Letters of support were vague and conclusory, not identifying specific contributions or their impact. Participation in charitable fundraisers does not demonstrate major significance in the field broadly. Display of artwork is covered by a separate criterion and cannot substitute for evidence of major significance.…

Why this is useful

Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.

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Letters of support were vague and conclusory, not identifying specific contributions or their impact. Participation in charitable fundraisers does not demonstrate major significance in the field broadly. Display of artwork is covered by a separate criterion and cannot substitute for evidence of major significance. No documentary evidence showed the Petitioner's designs influenced industry trends or otherwise rose to the level of original contributions of major significance.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-19_01_B2203; source_row=20265
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

final merits determination

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO reviewed the record in aggregate as an alternative and independent basis, finding the Petitioner has not demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim or that she is within the small percentage at the very top of her field.

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AAO reviewed the record in aggregate as an alternative and independent basis, finding the Petitioner has not demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim or that she is within the small percentage at the very top of her field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-19_01_B2203; source_row=20269
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material in professional or major trade publications or other major media

Why AAO was not persuaded

The article from the website was published after the petition filing date. Fashion magazine photographs do not meet the regulatory requirement for published material about the alien including title, date, and author. The Petitioner also failed to demonstrate that the comparable evidence provision under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(4) applies.

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The article from the website was published after the petition filing date. Fashion magazine photographs do not meet the regulatory requirement for published material about the alien including title, date, and author. The Petitioner also failed to demonstrate that the comparable evidence provision under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(4) applies.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-19_01_B2203; source_row=20264
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · AwardsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Awards

nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Recognition Award was received after the petition filing date and cannot be considered. The selection to create jewelry for a fashion show does not constitute receipt of a nationally or internationally recognized prize or award. Celebrity adornment and television appearances are not prizes or awards in the field.

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The Recognition Award was received after the petition filing date and cannot be considered. The selection to create jewelry for a fashion show does not constitute receipt of a nationally or internationally recognized prize or award. Celebrity adornment and television appearances are not prizes or awards in the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-19_01_B2203; source_row=20263
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

high remuneration in relation to others in the field

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO noted the Petitioner mentioned this criterion in her RFE response but abandoned it on appeal; AAO found in dicta that a 2014 adjusted gross income of $13,104 does not support a finding of significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field.

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AAO noted the Petitioner mentioned this criterion in her RFE response but abandoned it on appeal; AAO found in dicta that a 2014 adjusted gross income of $13,104 does not support a finding of significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-19_01_B2203; source_row=20268
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role for distinguished organizations

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO noted the Petitioner mentioned this criterion in her RFE response but abandoned it on appeal; however, AAO found in dicta that letters showing jewelry donations do not demonstrate a leading or critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation.

Why this is useful

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AAO noted the Petitioner mentioned this criterion in her RFE response but abandoned it on appeal; however, AAO found in dicta that letters showing jewelry donations do not demonstrate a leading or critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-04-19_01_B2203; source_row=20267
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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