How New Government Initiatives Under President Trump Impact EB-2 NIW Visas 

EB-2 NIW visas are a type of employment-based visa that allows foreign nationals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees to bypass the standard labor certification process required for most employment-based visas. The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a special provision under the EB-2 visa category, offering a unique solution by allowing foreign nationals to contribute directly to areas of national importance. One of the criteria for demonstrating national importance is how the proposed endeavor impacts a matter that a government entity has described as having national importance or is the subject of national initiatives. To make sure all business plans align with government initiatives, our team of professionals continuously keeps up to date with relevant policy updates on different topics. 

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed new Presidential Actions that mark a significant shift in U.S. policy priorities, focusing on strengthening domestic industries, securing energy independence, and redefining international collaborations. These policy changes have a direct impact on the business, opening new opportunities in areas like traditional energy, infrastructure, and government technology while reducing focus on sectors like renewable energy, global healthcare, and sustainability. 

This article will explore how new government initiatives will affect immigrants, especially EB-2 NIW visa applicants, and which industries are positively and negatively affected by these initiatives. The article will also highlight the importance of aligning their expertise and business ventures with national priorities to demonstrate how their contributions can serve the U.S. economy and public interest. 

Details on New Presidential Actions 

The U.S. Administration significantly shifted the focus from global cooperation to domestic development of critical industries, focusing on advancing the country’s independence in several areas. Namely, the President ordered a Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf From Offshore Wind Leasing to examine if the current system for approving and managing wind energy projects is effective or needs changes. He also signed an order called Unleashing American Energy to expand domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, and he declared a National Energy Emergency due to potential threats to the nation’s energy supply.   

Similarly, President Trump shifted a focus from sustainability to advancing domestic manufacturing and production with orders such as Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements to prioritize U.S. interests in global environmental negotiations and Putting People Over Fish to prioritize delivering water to Southern California communities instead of adhering to strict environmental protections that limit water access.  

Moreover, President Trump put a bigger focus on advancing the country’s technological leadership and national security through policies such as Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence and Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology. Both initiatives highlight the importance of innovation, U.S. technological independence, and domestic economic growth.  

Additionally, the U.S. Administration prioritizes Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture, focusing on creating long-lasting, beautiful structures; shifts focus to advancing domestic health programs by Withdrawing the United States From the World Health Organization; and reduces reliance on foreign-made goods with America First Trade Policy. 

These initiatives significantly impact several key sectors. The energy industry, particularly traditional energy and fossil fuels, stands to benefit from policies such as the National Energy Emergency, Unleashing American Energy, and the Temporary Withdrawal From Offshore Wind Leasing, which prioritizes domestic energy production over renewable projects. The manufacturing and agriculture sectors are also poised for growth due to policies like Putting People Over Fish and America First Trade Policy, which emphasize domestic production and resource allocation. Healthcare, on the other hand, faces potential challenges with the Withdrawal from the World Health Organization, as it reduces global collaboration opportunities but shifts focus to advancing domestic health programs. Additionally, government efficiency and infrastructure development are influenced by initiatives such as Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture, which supports construction and architectural industries through a focus on modernizing federal buildings and enhancing long-term aesthetic value. Together, these shifts highlight the Administration’s priority on strengthening domestic industries while reducing reliance on foreign resources and collaborations. 

Who Could Benefit? 

Traditional Energy and Fossil Fuels Companies 

President Trump’s initiatives heavily favor traditional energy industries like oil, gas, and coal. Policies such as Unleashing American Energy, the National Energy Emergency, and the Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf From Offshore Wind Leasing prioritize expanding domestic energy production and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources. These measures create significant opportunities for professionals specializing in energy exploration, extraction, infrastructure development, and supply chain management. 

For instance, an applicant specializing in enhanced oil recovery or natural gas pipeline technology could align their work with national energy goals, while applicants working in fossil fuel exploration, production, or infrastructure development could position their expertise as essential to U.S. energy security. Our Venezuelan client applying to work as an Independent Consultant for the oil and gas industry demonstrates how his specialized knowledge and innovative solutions contribute to U.S. energy security, infrastructure development, and resource optimization. By aligning his expertise with the national priorities under President Trump’s policies, our professionals presented a compelling case for how the applicant’s work holds substantial merit and national importance. In the same manner, we helped a Brazilian Civil Engineer with experience in large-scale infrastructure projects synchronize his expertise with national efforts to modernize and enhance civic architecture, demonstrating alignment with national priorities. 

Some Renewables Areas 

While renewable energy may face setbacks, professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional and renewable energy sources could find opportunities. An applicant specializing in hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable energy into existing fossil fuel infrastructure could position their work as advancing energy efficiency and independence. 

With initiatives like Putting People Over Fish, professionals who specialize in optimizing resource management for agricultural and water access may thrive. For instance, our Haitian client applying to work as an Environmental Engineer dedicated to water management and irrigation systems demonstrates his role in improving water systems in critical areas such as Southern California, reducing water waste, preventing fires, and protecting people’s lives. 

Domestic Manufacturing and Agriculture 

Policies like the America First Trade Policy and Putting People Over Fish directly support domestic manufacturing, agriculture, and water resource management. By focusing on reducing reliance on imported goods and prioritizing domestic resource allocation, these initiatives create opportunities for professionals in supply chain management, industrial engineering, and agricultural innovation.  

The agricultural sector will benefit from increased access to water, allowing for improved crop yields and economic growth. Therefore, an applicant specializing in irrigation systems or drought-resistant farming techniques could emphasize their role in supporting California agriculture. Similarly, experts in developing or optimizing water infrastructure, like reservoirs or pipelines, will be essential to deliver water efficiently. Moreover, a professional creating AI-driven irrigation systems to optimize water usage and crop yields in drought-prone regions could showcase their relevance to national priorities. 

On the other hand, an applicant specializing in advanced manufacturing processes or automation, such as our Chinese client who endeavors to increase the use of AI in domestic manufacturing processes, can coincide their work with national priorities to boost productivity and reduce costs. Professionals optimizing domestic supply chains are also essential as companies source more materials locally. For example, a logistics consultant or engineer developing efficient U.S.-based supply chain models can position themselves as key contributors to these policies. Furthermore, professionals offering workforce development and upskilling programs to meet the growing demand for skilled labor in manufacturing could benefit from new initiatives. 

Government Technology and Infrastructure 

The Administration’s focus on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture ties directly to the construction, architectural design, and urban planning sectors. By emphasizing the development of long-lasting, aesthetically appealing civic structures, this initiative boosts opportunities for professionals in engineering, architecture, and urban development. Additionally, the Administration’s broader push for modernizing government facilities opens doors for tech professionals in government technology and construction-related innovations. 

Professionals with expertise in traditional architectural designs will likely see more opportunities for federal contracts. For instance, an applicant specializing in designing neoclassical courthouses or civic spaces could align their work with this initiative while businesses providing high-quality materials for traditional designs, like marble or stone, could experience increased demand. Additionally, professionals skilled in designing community-friendly spaces or integrating classical buildings into urban landscapes could benefit these government initiatives. 

Technology and Innovation Field 

With an increased focus on supporting technological advancements, through Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence and Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology, the Administration aims to boost U.S. competitiveness by attracting top technological talent, streamlining funding processes, and fostering collaboration between government, academia, and private industry. 

Applicants interested in advancing AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, blockchain, and fintech fields are perfectly aligned with these priorities. For example, professionals developing AI models for healthcare, manufacturing, or national security have a clear potential to show how their work will help the U.S. remain a global AI leader. Cybersecurity professionals who specialize in protecting sensitive data, identifying vulnerabilities, or building secure digital platforms can directly enhance the level of national safety for American businesses, people, and the government. In the same manner, blockchain experts improving secure financial transactions or supply chain transparency, as well as applicants advancing digital payment systems or AI-enhanced fraud detection tools, have propriety over other candidates due to their dedication to advancing innovation and supporting the country’s economic and technological development. 

Domestic Healthcare Professionals 

With the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, professionals focusing on internal healthcare improvements are well-positioned to obtain an EB-2 NIW visa. Experts in healthcare delivery, hospital administration, and public health system improvements will be in demand as funds are redirected to U.S.-based initiatives. For example, an applicant specializing in rural healthcare access or telemedicine can emphasize their role in improving the domestic healthcare system. 

Our team of professionals at Joorney recently crafted a business plan for a Brazilian dental professional who aimed to operate in rural and medically unserved areas, aligning her plans with the government’s focus on advancing the health of the local population. Similarly, professionals tackling U.S.-specific health challenges, like diabetes, heart disease, or mental health, align with the domestic-first focus. Furthermore, a data scientist developing predictive analytics tools for managing domestic healthcare resources or reducing patient wait times could frame their contributions as critical to national healthcare advancement. 

Sectors Negatively Affected by New Presidential Actions 

Renewable Energy and Sustainability 

The Administration’s reduced focus on sustainability and renewable energy, as evidenced by the Temporary Withdrawal From Offshore Wind Leasing and energy policies, poses challenges for the renewable energy sector. Professionals specializing in wind, solar, and other green technologies will face reduced federal support and investment opportunities, making it harder to secure funding and execute large-scale projects. EB-2 NIW applicants in renewable energy may find it challenging to demonstrate their contributions align with national priorities unless they can frame their innovations as directly enhancing U.S. energy independence or efficiency. 

Professionals tied to global clean energy initiatives may need to adjust their focus to U.S.-specific goals to match with the policy. Renewable energy professionals and sustainability advocates will need to emphasize the economic benefits of their work, such as job creation or energy cost reductions, rather than environmental impacts. These professionals will also need to emphasize innovations in renewable energy storage systems that reduce reliance on foreign energy supplies or frame advancements in energy technology as a means to lower energy costs for American households or industries. 

Environmental Protection and Advocacy 

Initiatives like Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements and Putting People Over Fish deprioritize global environmental collaboration and certain domestic environmental protections in favor of industrial and agricultural expansion. This shift negatively affects professionals working in environmental advocacy, wildlife conservation, and climate change research. EB-2 NIW applicants in these fields must emphasize their work’s direct benefit to U.S. industries or communities, focusing on practical applications rather than broader environmental goals. 

Renewable energy professionals focusing on international cooperation may find it more difficult to secure funding or demonstrate the relevance of their work under this policy. Additionally, global environmental experts will need to refocus their work on the U.S. domestic market, emphasizing national economic growth or localized environmental protection. To demonstrate alignment, applicants in these fields can shift the focus of conservation projects to underscore their impact on local industries, such as sustainable farming or tourism, or emphasize work that protects U.S. natural resources or reduces environmental risks in ways that directly benefit domestic communities. 

Electric Vehicle Technology and Infrastructure 

In Unleashing American Energy, President Trump also eliminates the electric vehicle (EV) mandate to promote consumer choice and reduce limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles by removing regulatory barriers and subsidies for EVs. By terminating state emissions waivers, reducing subsidies, and eliminating policies that favor EV adoption, the amendment deprioritizes EV development and market expansion. Professionals in EV technology, battery innovation, and charging infrastructure may face reduced federal support, diminished funding opportunities, and slower market growth, limiting their ability to scale operations or develop advanced technologies. Additionally, the absence of incentives for EV adoption could lead to decreased demand, creating challenges for professionals who design, manufacture, or market EVs, as well as those working on EV charging networks. 

To align with the current framework, applicants need to adjust their proposed endeavor. For instance, applicants can focus on innovations that make EVs more affordable for American consumers, increase the domestic production of EV components, or improve battery technology to reduce reliance on foreign raw materials. Similarly, infrastructure specialists can emphasize their role in enhancing nationwide transportation networks or creating jobs in construction and technology. 

Our team of experts helps EV professionals change their narrative from global sustainability to U.S.-centric benefits, such as job creation, cost reduction, and national energy security. For example, focusing on integrating EV infrastructure with traditional fuel stations or developing hybrid technologies that bridge the gap between gasoline and electric vehicles could demonstrate alignment with consumer choice goals. We tailor all endeavors to emphasize practical, localized economic impacts that are critical for securing EB-2 NIW approval. 

Healthcare and Global Collaboration 

The decision to Withdraw the United States from WHO significantly impacts healthcare professionals working on global health initiatives. Without WHO collaboration, funding, and research opportunities in areas like pandemic preparedness and international disease prevention may decrease, creating challenges for applicants in public health and global medicine. While domestic healthcare programs may see some prioritization, applicants in this field must emphasize their contributions to strengthening internal healthcare systems rather than international cooperation. 

Global health experts will need to reframe their work to emphasize how it benefits U.S. citizens or strengthens U.S. healthcare independence while researchers relying on WHO collaborations or funding must focus on domestic health needs or bilateral partnerships. Healthcare professionals applying for EB-2 NIW need to focus on public health initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare costs or improving access for underserved U.S. communities. They can also focus on developing tools or programs for disease prevention and management within the U.S., such as our Chinese client who advanced the use of AI in the domestic healthcare field, enhancing business operations and healthcare outcomes for the local population. 

Modern Architecture 

Architects focused on minimalist or abstract designs may struggle to secure federal contracts under this policy. For example, an applicant specializing in futuristic architecture may have a harder time showing how their work aligns with federal priorities. Applicants working in avant-garde or modern architectural fields may need to shift focus to demonstrate how their work aligns with these new priorities. 

To demonstrate the national importance of their endeavor, these professionals need to demonstrate experience in creating civic structures that combine aesthetic appeal with functionality and longevity or highlighting the use of cost-effective and sustainable materials sourced within the U.S. Our team of experts helps clients align with policy goals and highlight innovation and job creation, securing EB-2 NIW visa approval. 

Trade-Reliant Occupations 

Businesses reliant on imported raw materials or components may face higher costs due to increased tariffs while experts in international trade and export/import facilitation may struggle as the U.S. shifts focus inward. For example, an applicant working with global supply chains or international sourcing might find it challenging to align their work with the America First Trade Policy. 

Professionals in industries heavily reliant on global supply chains will need to shift focus to emphasize domestic economic benefits. Trade professionals will need to highlight their expertise in optimizing U.S.-based supply chains or improving domestic manufacturing processes or they need to focus on developing strategies to source materials domestically or work with U.S. trade partners. They can also showcase work that enhances U.S. export competitiveness, such as creating efficient logistics networks to boost sales of American products abroad. 

Implications for EB-2 NIW Applicants 

The recent policy shifts under President Trump’s Administration have redefined national priorities, which could directly impact the approval process for EB-2 NIW applicants. As the Administration focuses on advancing traditional energy, domestic manufacturing, and infrastructure projects, applicants in these fields may find it easier to demonstrate that their work supports national interest criteria. On the contrary, professionals in sectors like renewable energy, environmental advocacy, or global health may face greater challenges in making a compelling case unless they reframe their contributions to accentuate their domestic impact. 

At Joorney, we continuously study government initiatives and policy directions, tailoring each petition to demonstrate how an applicant’s work supports these goals. For sectors that benefit from new policies, our team of professionals writes clear and strong arguments in support of the initiatives. For the negatively affected sectors, we reframe contributions to focus on how they address U.S.-specific challenges and highlight contributions that boost U.S. economic growth, create jobs, or improve infrastructure.  

On our mission to empower international entrepreneurs and professionals in their life-changing endeavors, we emphasize innovative aspects of applicant’s work that address critical domestic issues and clearly articulate how their work aligns with U.S. economic or community priorities, as well as its potential to provide sustained benefits over time, demonstrating the national importance for each proposed endeavor. 

If you need help crafting a tailored and winning EB-2 NIW application that aligns with the goals of the current U.S. Administration, contact our team of experienced professionals who will guide you through the process with confidence.