On January 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14179 on artificial intelligence, aimed at boosting U.S. dominance in AI by reducing regulation and promoting innovation. For foreign AI professionals applying for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), AI being a top national priority can strengthen the national importance argument, as long as your petition shows the specific impact of your own work.
With the U.S. government prioritizing AI development, demand for skilled AI experts is higher than ever. But will immigration policy follow suit? Let’s look at how this executive order affects AI researchers, engineers and specialists pursuing an NIW green card. 🇺🇸
What does Trump’s 2025 AI executive order do?
The executive order sets a pro-business, innovation-friendly approach to artificial intelligence. Key provisions include:
- ✅ Rolling back Biden’s AI policy: the 2023 AI executive order (EO 14110), which imposed stricter oversight on AI development, was revoked in January 2025, and EO 14179 ordered agencies to review and undo actions taken under it.
- ✅ An AI Action Plan within 180 days: federal officials had to create a plan to enhance U.S. AI leadership, focused on economic growth and national security. The White House released America’s AI Action Plan in July 2025.
- ✅ Removing barriers to AI development: agencies must remove regulatory obstacles, making it easier for companies and researchers to drive AI advances.
This pro-AI stance means more opportunities for AI professionals, which can strengthen EB-2 NIW petitions for foreign tech specialists. 💻
How does this executive order affect EB-2 NIW applicants?
📈 More demand for AI and machine learning talent
With AI a top U.S. priority, demand for machine learning engineers, AI researchers and cybersecurity experts keeps growing. If you specialize in AI, your field is clearly recognized as being in the national interest, which supports the first prong of the Matter of Dhanasar test.
🚀 A stronger case for AI innovators and STEM experts
By removing regulatory barriers, the order makes it easier for AI specialists, robotics engineers and advanced computing professionals to show their work benefits the U.S. economy and security. If you’re involved in cutting-edge AI research, this policy shift can make your NIW petition more compelling.
Keep in mind that since USCIS’s January 2025 NIW policy update, generic claims about STEM or AI aren’t enough. Your petition must show the specific, tangible impact of your own endeavor.
💰 More AI research funding and jobs in the U.S.
As the U.S. ramps up AI investment, government grants, startup funding and research opportunities grow. If your expertise is in AI, quantum computing or cybersecurity, you may find better career prospects, sponsorships and fellowships, which further support your NIW case.
What challenges might AI specialists face?
⚖️ Tighter immigration policy
While AI workers are in high demand, President Trump has historically been critical of employment-based immigration, and policy has tightened since 2025. USCIS now applies increased scrutiny to NIW petitions, and in September 2025 a presidential proclamation added a $100,000 payment on many new H-1B petitions, pushing more professionals toward self-petitioned green cards like the NIW and EB-1A.
⏳ Uncertain processing times and priorities
Even with AI a national priority, shifting policies can slow down approvals. Applying early, before new restrictions take effect, is a smart move.
What should AI professionals do next?
✔ Strengthen your EB-2 NIW petition for AI work
Show how your work in AI, cybersecurity or advanced computing contributes to U.S. economic growth and security. Highlight the patents, research and publications that prove your impact.
✔ Apply for your EB-2 NIW as soon as you’re ready
With AI at the center of U.S. policy, AI specialists should apply soon, before potential policy shifts make the process stricter.
✔ Get expert immigration advice
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how policy changes might affect your application, consult an immigration expert.
Final thoughts: AI’s future in the U.S. and what it means for you
Trump’s 2025 executive order on AI marked a major policy shift, removing regulatory barriers and promoting AI innovation. If you’re an AI specialist, data scientist or machine learning engineer, this could be your best chance to apply for an EB-2 NIW.
With the U.S. investing heavily in AI, your skills are more valuable than ever. If you’ve been thinking about getting a green card through the NIW, now is the time to act.
Ready to build your NIW case as an AI professional?
Choose a top-tier immigration team. Work with experts on the strongest petition possible: immigration attorneys and seasoned former USCIS officials who guide your case from strategy to filing. Work with us on your bulletproof EB-2 NIW petition.
