When it comes to National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions, the idea might be strong—but if the execution doesn’t align with the priorities of the current administration, the petition could be dead in the water.
Recently, three attorneys retained us to create immigration business plans for their clients. Each attorney had already outlined a detailed legal strategy, and the clients were ready to move forward. But when we reviewed the materials, we raised a major red flag: none of the cases, as originally presented, would stand a chance under the Trump administration.
Why? Because all three relied heavily on messaging and policy language that worked under Biden—but now run directly counter to the current White House’s narrative.
Here’s how we worked with these attorneys to rethink, reframe, and realign the proposed endeavors to keep these NIW petitions viable.
Case 1: Photovoltaic Power Plant Development
Original Strategy:
The case emphasized the deployment of renewable energy as part of a national effort to reduce emissions and combat climate change. It referenced national sustainability goals that were central under Biden but are now being dismantled or defunded.
Our Input:
We immediately flagged this for the attorney. Language around emissions reduction and climate policy won’t win points with adjudicators under the current administration. We proposed a strategic pivot.
New Focus:
We rewrote the business plan to center on energy independence—reframing the endeavor around reducing energy costs for American consumers and helping the U.S. move toward energy dominance. This repositioning turned a vulnerable petition into one that speaks directly to this administration’s economic and energy priorities.
Case 2: Renewable Energy Consulting
Original Strategy:
This client’s endeavor focused on helping corporations and municipalities transition to renewable energy in accordance with legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Federal Sustainability Plan—all of which have been weakened, reversed, or defunded under the Trump administration.
Our Input:
We let the attorney know that citing Biden-era legislation that no longer holds weight could jeopardize the petition. While the work was valuable, the framing was politically outdated.
New Focus:
We redirected the business plan to emphasize public safety, energy reliability, and national economic security—key issues given the current strain on the electrical grid due to data centers, AI growth, and increasing domestic demand. This angle allowed us to connect the client’s work to infrastructure resilience, a concern shared by both sides of the aisle.
Case 3: ESG Manager
Original Strategy:
The business plan focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and their importance to society at large, with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) frameworks.
Our Input:
We informed the attorney that ESG and DEI are political lightning rods under the Trump administration. Framing the endeavor around societal impact would be risky at best—and outright rejected at worst.
New Focus:
We shifted the plan away from socially focused ESG messaging and instead positioned ESG as a tool to improve the financial and operational performance of U.S. companies. We highlighted how ESG-driven practices can enhance economic competitiveness, efficiency, and long-term profitability—benefits that align with the administration’s business-first outlook.
Why Attorneys Thanked Us
In all three cases, the attorneys were incredibly receptive to our feedback—and grateful we spotted these issues before the plans were submitted. They recognized that a solid legal strategy is only as strong as the supporting documentation. And in today’s immigration environment, that means creating business plans that speak the language of the administration currently in power.
At Visa Business Plans, we don’t just write plans—we analyze, adapt, and strategize to protect the integrity and success of each petition and help attorneys win cases.
Final Thoughts
NIW petitions that worked two years ago are now high-risk if they rely on outdated political frameworks. The immigration landscape is shifting quickly—and only those who adapt will succeed.
If you’re an attorney or applicant preparing an NIW petition, don’t risk submitting a tone-deaf business plan. Let our team help you structure a business plan that resonates with today’s adjudicators—without compromising the heart of your client’s endeavor.
Contact us today to build a business plan that’s not just well-written—it’s politically bulletproof.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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