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Wildlife Conservation Scientist
Colombo & Hurd secured an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) green card for a wildlife conservation scientist from Mexico whose work focuses on protecting endangered species in the United States. USCIS approved the petition, and after consular processing, the client received his immigrant visa and became a U.S. permanent resident.
Protecting endangered wildlife is a national priority in the United States. Federal law and conservation programs support the scientific work needed to recover threatened species and restore their habitats.
With a career devoted to wildlife science, our client plans to study an endangered feline species in the southern United States and identify habitats that may support its recovery. He will also train future conservation professionals and contribute to research that can guide long-term conservation efforts, benefiting communities that depend on wildlife tourism.
Senior Attorney Vivian Daher led the petition, and Attorney Michelle Villagran guided the client through consular processing, completing his path to permanent residency.
A Career Built on Wildlife Research and Endangered Species Conservation
The client holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomic engineering and animal science, a master’s degree in range and wildlife management, and a PhD in wildlife science. Over more than 25 years, he has held roles progressing from research assistant to project leader, studying species interaction and endangered wildlife. He also completed specialized training, including certification in the chemical immobilization of animals.
He has led conservation projects, founded an organization focused on carnivore conservation, and collaborated with government agencies, universities, and nonprofit groups. Decades of fieldwork have given him hands-on experience with endangered feline species. Through publications, presentations, and lectures he has helped train many younger scientists.
His proposed endeavor is to apply this experience to animal conservation needs in the United States. His work focuses on confirming whether an endangered feline species is present in the southern U.S. and studying its distribution and ecology. As part of his endeavor, the client also plans to write a book on regional feline species, work with academic and zoological institutions, and teach students in the field.
Showing the Wider Importance of Species-Specific Research
The client’s proposed research focused on one endangered feline species in a particular region of the United States. The challenge was documenting why that focused work mattered beyond an individual research project. The evidence needed to explain how studying the species’ presence, distribution, and habitat could contribute to broader federal efforts involving endangered-species recovery, habitat restoration, and biodiversity.
As Senior Attorney Vivian Daher explained: “USCIS wants to understand why the proposed work matters to the United States as a whole. Our advice to conservation professionals is not to underestimate the broader impact of their work, which often supports national objectives well beyond a single project or employer.”
From Scientific Expertise to Federal Priorities
The client had developed his career through independent research and conservation projects rather than through one long-term employer. The petition documented the continuity of that work through his project leadership, field research, publications, teaching, and collaboration with government agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations.
The evidence explained how his proposed research could contribute to endangered-species recovery, habitat conservation, biodiversity, and education in wildlife science. It also connected the endeavor with established federal efforts. These included recovery work under the Endangered Species Act and revised Section 10(j) rules that give more flexibility for species reintroduction. The legal team also included national programs supporting species recovery and habitat restoration. The petition presented the client’s teaching as a way to help meet workforce needs in wildlife science.
Advanced credentials proved his technical foundation, and 25 years of fieldwork proved real-world impact. Seven letters of recommendation from respected professionals attested to his skills in wildlife science, described his record of project leadership, and confirmed he had already made real progress toward the proposed work. A letter of interest from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official showed genuine interest in future collaboration. Senior Attorney Daher commented on the letters: “The recommendation letters were especially valuable in this case. They came from respected professionals who could independently explain the significance of his work and why it mattered to conservation in the United States.”
EB-2 NIW Green Card Approved Through Consular Processing
USCIS approved the petition, recognizing the national importance of the client’s conservation work. He completed consular processing, received his immigrant visa, and became a lawful permanent resident. He can now continue his research and teaching anywhere in the United States.
| Category | Details |
| Visa Classification | EB-2 NIW |
| Nationality | Mexico |
| Professional Field | Wildlife Conservation Science |
| Education | Bachelor’s in agronomic engineering and animal science; Master’s in range and wildlife management; PhD in wildlife science |
| Request for Evidence (RFE) | No |
| Attorneys | Senior Attorney Vivian Daher and Attorney Michelle Villagran |
| Final Outcome | Green card approved (lawful permanent residency granted) |
| Green Card Approval Date | July 17, 2026 |
