EB1A Crackdown: Why USCIS Is Revoking Petitions and How to Avoid the Trap - Silmi Law Firm

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June 20, 2025

EB1A Crackdown: Why USCIS Is Revoking Petitions and How to Avoid the Trap

What Indian professionals in the U.S. need to know about fake credentials, profile-building scams, and how to build a winning EB1A case with real substance.

A major controversy is unfolding in the EB1A green card space: USCIS is revoking previously approved petitions from Indian nationals who relied on fraudulent, flimsy, or purchased evidence to meet the EB1A criteria.

If you’re an Indian professional on an H-1B or considering self-petitioning under EB1A, this is your wake-up call.

As an immigration attorney who has specialized in EB1A for the past decade, I’ve been warning about this very situation for many years. I called out the dangers of paid judging roles, fake awards, and ghostwritten media when others were promoting them as “quick wins.” Now, USCIS is cracking down. And it’s not just denials — it’s revocations after approval.

The Rise of Fraudulent “Profile Building”

Too many hopeful applicants have been sold the dream of EB1A approval through what some call “profile building companies.” These agencies often promise:

  • Judging credentials from bogus awards like Globee and Stevie
  • Publications in pay-to-play “journals” with no credible peer review
  • Paid articles or media coverage ghostwritten to appear credible

These schemes may look shiny on the surface, but they fall apart under USCIS scrutiny.

I Warned You: Globee and Stevie Awards Are Not Valid EB1A Evidence

In November 2023, I posted a short video explicitly warning that Globee and Stevie judging claims are not persuasive to USCIS. These are not legitimate peer-reviewed judging opportunities and often result in inflated, unverifiable claims.

Watch the Short: “Don’t Use Globee or Stevie Awards in Your EB1A Petition”

Yesterday, I addressed the current EB1A revocation controversy in a live YouTube video, showing receipts of how I’ve been educating clients and viewers on this issue long before this wave of scrutiny began.

Watch the Live Video: USCIS Crackdown and What It Means for You

What You Should Be Doing Instead: The Qualitative Approach

My firm takes a deep, tailored approach to building EB1A cases:

  • Focus on real-world impact, not just checkboxes
  • Highlight credible peer-reviewed judging (e.g., professional review done outside of the normal course of employment)
  • Cite tangible outcomes: how your work is used, implemented, or relied on by others
  • Develop a clear and compelling narrative showing national importance

This is not about fluff. It’s about substance. And that’s what wins.

Message to Indian Professionals in the U.S.

Indian nationals are disproportionately affected because of the high number of talented professionals applying from STEM fields. That’s also why these profile-building companies have targeted you.

The truth is simple:

  • Shortcuts don’t work
  • Weak evidence won’t hold up
  • And fraudulent tactics can get your case revoked even after it’s been approved

I’ve helped thousands of professionals build real EB1A cases that win — without the gimmicks.

Now is the time to get serious.

What You Should Do Next

 

Attorney Sharif Silmi
Silmi Law, Experts in EB1A and NIW Immigration Strategy

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