EB-1 Visa Fraud? Part 2

Promoting Dubious Awards: Awards like the Stevie and Globee Awards are cited as evidence of extraordinary ability but are questioned for lacking prestige or being pay-to-win, prompting USCIS scrutiny.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram stress that USCIS regulations provide clear guidance on evaluating published articles. Attorneys at the firm ensure all client articles appear in publications with editorial oversight, such as those with editorial boards reviewing submissions for quality. Academic articles are typically peer-reviewed to verify replicable research, ensuring scientific rigor. Business or trade journals, while not peer-reviewed in the same way, are evaluated by editorial boards for merit relevant to their readership. USCIS also considers comparative circulation, favoring articles in high-circulation, prestigious publications aligned with field standards. For example, an article in a business journal with circulation comparable to Forbes or Harvard Business Review strengthens a case. By submitting evidence of circulation and editorial rigor, attorneys demonstrate compliance, a practice the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram routinely follows. These are well-established protocols that solid firms adhere to, ensuring petitions withstand scrutiny.

The rise of third-party “case builders” offering fake credentials has exacerbated the issue, exploiting applicants’ desperation and charging thousands for fabricated evidence. Thomas V. Allen, in a LinkedIn post, warned against such services, stating, “EB-1A is a powerful path—but it’s not meant to be gamed. The documentation must be truthful, traceable, and defensible.” With 40,000 EB-1 visas available annually, USCIS expects many professionals to qualify through legitimate achievements. However, bad actors attempting to shoehorn underdeveloped cases into this prestigious category have necessitated the crackdown. Attorney Chris M. Ingram notes that experienced practitioners distinguish honest, worthy cases from fraudulent ones, ensuring clients with genuine qualifications are protected through methodical case-building.

Why Stevie and Globee Awards Face USCIS Scrutiny

The Stevie and Globee Awards, marketed as prestigious business recognitions, are under USCIS scrutiny in EB-1A petitions due to concerns about their credibility and alignment with extraordinary ability criteria. Below, we analyze the reasons, with insights from the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram and other attorneys.

Stevie Awards

Established in 2002, the Stevie Awards cover competitions like the American Business Awards and International Business Awards. Their lack of prestige stems from: