dismissed O-1B Case: Entertainment

identifyingdatadeletedto
preventclearlyunwarranted
invasionofpersonalprivacy
PUBLICCOPY
U.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity
U.S.CitizenshipandIrnmigrationServices
AdministrativeAppealsOffice(AAO)
20MassachusettsAve.,N.W.,MS2090
Washington,DC 20529-2090
U.S.Citizenship
and Immigration
Services
DATE: JUN 17 2011 Office: CALIFORNIASERVICECENTER FILE:
IN RE: Petitioner:
Beneficiary:
PETITION: Petitionfor aNonimmigrantWorkerunderSection101(a)(15)(O)(i)of theImmigrationand
NationalityAct,8U.S.C.§ 1101(a)(15)(O)(i)
ONBEHALFOFPETITIONER:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Enclosedpleasefind the decisionof the AdministrativeAppealsOffice in your case. All of the documents
relatedto this matterhavebeenreturnedto theoffice thatoriginally decidedyour case.Pleasebeadvisedthat
anyfurtherinquiry thatyoumight haveconcerningyour casemustbemadeto thatoffice.
If you believethe law was inappropriatelyappliedby us in reachingour decision,or you haveadditional
informationthatyou wishto haveconsidered,you mayfile amotionto reconsideror amotionto reopen.The
specific requirementsfor filing such a requestcan be found at 8 C.F.R. § 103.5. All motions must be
submittedto theoffice thatoriginally decidedyour caseby filing a FormI-290B,Noticeof Appealor Motion,
with a fee of $630. Pleasebe awarethat 8 C.F.R. § 103.5(a)(1)(i)requiresthat any motion must be filed
within 30daysof thedecisionthatthemotionseeksto reconsideror reopen.
Thankyou,
PerryRhew
Chief,AdministrativeAppealsOffice
www.uscus.gov
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DISCUSSION: TheDirector,CaliforniaServiceCenter,deniedthenonimmigrantvisapetition. Thematter
is now beforetheAdministrativeAppealsOffice ("AAO") onappeal.TheAAO will dismisstheappeal.
The petitioner filed this nonimmigrantpetition seekingto classify the beneficiarypursuantto section
101(a)(15)(O)(i)of theImmigrationandNationalityAct (theAct),8 U.S.C.§ 1101(a)(15)(O),asanalienwith
extraordinaryability in thearts. Thepetitioneroperatesa restaurantandbarandthebeneficiaryis a singerand
entertainer.Thepetitionerrequeststhatthebeneficiarybegranted0-1 classificationfor aperiodof approximately
threemonthssothathemayentertheUnitedStatesfor threescheduledperformancesbetweenDecember2010
andFebruary2011.
Thedirectordeniedthepetition,concludingthatthepetitionerfailedto establishthatthebeneficiaryqualifiesas
analienof extraordinaryability in thearts. Thedirectordeterminedthatthepetitionerfailedto establishthatthe
beneficiarymeetsthe evidentiarycriterionat 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(A),andsubmittedevidenceto satisfy
only oneof the six evidentiarycriteriasetforth at 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B),of whichthreemustbemetto
establisheligibility.
Thepetitionersubsequentlyfiledanappeal.Thedirectordeclinedto treattheappealasamotionandforwarded
theappealto theAAO for review.Onappeal,counselcontendsthattheevidencesubmittedmeetsatleastthreeof
the evidentiaryrequirementssetforth at 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B),andwas "possiblyoverlooked"by the
director.CounselassertsthatUSCISshouldtakeintoaccount"theculturaldifferencesbetweenacclaimperceived
in a westernfashionandthoseperceivedin theArabic community."Counselsubmitsa brief in supportof the
appeal.
I. TheLaw
Section101(a)(15)(O)(i)of theAct providesclassificationto aqualifiedalienwhohasextraordinaryability in the
sciences,arts,education,business,or athleticswhichhasbeendemonstratedby sustainednationalor international
acclaim,whoseachievementshavebeenrecognizedin the field throughextensivedocumentation,andwho seeks
to entertheUnitedStatesto continuework intheareaof extraordinaryability.
Theregulationat8 C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(ii)defines,in pertinentpart:
Arts includesanyfield of creativeactivityor endeavorsuchas,butnotlimitedto,finearts,visual
arts,culinaryarts,andperformingarts.
Extraordinaryability in thefield of arts meansdistinction.Distinctionmeansa high level of
achievementin theartsevidencedby a degreeof skill andrecognitionsubstantiallyabovethat
ordinarilyencounteredto theextentthata persondescribedasprominentis renowned,leading,
orwell-knowninthefieldofarts.
Theregulationat8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)states,in pertinentpart:
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Evidentiarycriteriafor an O-1alienof extraordinaryability in thearts. To qualifyasanalien
of extraordinaryability in thefield of arts,thealienmustberecognizedasbeingprominentin his
orherfield of endeavorasdemonstratedbythefollowing:
(A) Evidencethatthealienhasbeennominatedfor, or therecipientof, significantnational
or internationalawardsor prizesin theparticularfield suchasanAcademyAward,an
Emmy,aGrammy,or aDirector'sGuildAward;or
(B) At leastthreeof thefollowingformsof documentation:
(1) Evidencethatthe alienhasperformed,andwill perform,servicesasa leador
starring participant in productionsor eventswhich have a distinguished
reputationasevidencedby critical reviews,advertisements,publicityreleases,
publications,contracts,orendorsements;
(2) Evidencethat the alienhasachievednationalor internationalrecognitionfor
achievementsevidencedby criticalreviewsor otherpublishedmaterialsby or
aboutthe individualm majornewspapers,tradejournals,magazines,or other
publications;
(3) Evidencethatthealienhasperformed,andwill perform,in a lead,starring,or
critical role for organizationsand establishmentsthat have a distinguished
reputationevidencedby articlesin newspapers,tradejournals,publications,or
testimonials;
(4) Evidencethatthealienhasarecordof majorcommercialor criticallyacclaimed
successesasevidencedby suchindicatorsastitle, rating,standingin thefield,
box office receipts,motion pictureor televisionratings,andotheroccupational
achievementsreported in trade journals, major newspapers,or other
publications;
(5) Evidencethat the alienhasreceivedsignificantrecognitionfor achievements
fromorganizations,critics,governmentagencies,or otherrecognizedexpertsin
the field in whichthealienis engaged.Suchtestimonialsmustbe in a form
which clearlyindicatestheauthor'sauthority,expertise,andknowledgeof the
alien'sachievements;or
(6) Evidencethatthealienhaseithercommandedahighsalaryorwill commanda
highsalaryorothersubstantialremunerationforservicesinrelationtoothersin
thefield,asevidencedby contractsorotherreliableevidence;or
(C) If the criteria in paragraph(o)(3)(iv) of this sectiondo not readily apply to the
beneficiary'soccupation,the petitionermay submitcomparableevidencein orderto
establishthebeneficiary'seligibility.
Additionally,theregulationat8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(2)(iii)provides:
Theevidencesubmittedwith anO petitionshallconformto thefollowing:
(A) Affidavits, contracts,awards,and similar documentationmustreflectthe natureof the
alien'sachievementandbeexecutedby anofficeror responsiblepersonemployedby the
institution,firm, establishment,or organizationwheretheworkwasperformed.
(B) Affidavits writtenby presentor formeremployersor recognizedexpertscertifyingto the
recognitionandextraordinaryability . . . shallspecificallydescribethealien'srecognition
andability or achievementin factualtermsandsetforththeexpertiseof theaffiantandthe
mannerin whichtheaffiantacquiredsuchinformation.
Thedecisionof U.S.CitizenshipandImmigrationServices(USCIS)in a particularcaseis dependentuponthe
qualityof theevidencesubmittedby thepetitioner,notjust thequantityof theevidence.Themerefact that the
petitioner has submittedevidencerelating to three of the criteria as requiredby the regulation doesnot
necessarilyestablishthatthealienis eligiblefor 0-1 classification.59FR41818,41820(August15,1994).
In determiningthebeneficiary'seligibility underthesecriteria,theAAO will follow atwo-partapproachsetforth
in a 2010decisionissuedby the U.S. Courtof Appealsfor the Ninth Circuit.Kazarianv. USCIS,2010WL
725317(9* Cir. March 4, 2010). Similarto the regulationsgoverningthis nonimmigrantclassification,the
regulationsreviewedby theKazariancourtrequirethepetitionerto submitevidencepertainingto at leastthree
out of tenalternativecriteriain orderto establisha beneficiary'seligibility asanalienwith extraordinaryability.
Cf 8C.F.R.§204.5(h)(3).
Specifically,the Kazariancourt statedthat "the properprocedureis to countthe typesof evidenceprovided
(whichtheAAO did)," andif thepetitionerfailedto submitsufficientevidence,"theproperconclusionisthatthe
applicanthasfailedto satisfytheregulatoryrequirementof threetypesof evidence(astheAAO concluded)."Id.
at *6 (citingto 8 C.F.R.§ 204.5(h)(3)).Thecourtalsoexplainedthe"final meritsdetermination"asthecorollary
to thisprocedure:
If a petitionerhassubmittedthe requisiteevidence,USCISdetermineswhetherthe evidence
demonstratesboth a "level of expertiseindicatingthat the individual is one of that small
percentagewhohaverisentotheverytopof the[ir]fieldof endeavor,"8 C.F.R.§204.5(h)(2),
and "that the alien has sustainednationalor internationalacclaimand that his or her
achievementshavebeenrecognizedin thefield of expertise."8 C.F.R.§204.5(h)(3).Onlyaliens
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whoseachievementshavegarnered"sustainednationalor internationalacclaim"areeligiblefor
an"extraordinaryability"visa.8U.S.C.§ 1153(b)(1)(A)(i).
Id. at*3.
Thus,Kazariansetsforthatwo-partapproachwheretheevidenceis first countedandthen,if qualifyingunderat
leastthreecriteria,consideredin the contextof a final meritsdetermination.The final meritsdetermination
analyzeswhethertheevidenceis consistentwith thestatutoryrequirementof "extensivedocumentation"andthe
regulatorydefinitionof "extraordinaryability" as"oneof thatsmallpercentagewhohaverisento theverytop of
thefieldofendeavor."
TheAAO findstheKazariancourt'stwo-partapproachto beappropriatefor evaluatingtheregulatorycriteriaset
forthfor O-1nonimmigrantpetitionsfor aliensof extraordinaryability at 8 C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iii),(iv) and(v).
Therefore,in reviewingServiceCenterdecisions,theAAO will applythetestsetforthin Kazarian. As theAAO
maintainsdenovoreview,theAAO will conducta newanalysisif thedirectorreachedhis or herconclusionby
usinga one-stepanalysisratherthanthetwo-stepanalysisdictatedby theKazariancourt.SeeSoltanev. DOJ,
381F.3d143,145(3d Cir. 2004)(notingthattheAAO reviewsappealsonadenovobasis).
In thepresentmatter,thepetitionerhasfailedto submitevidencethatsatisfiesthreeof theevidentiarycriteriaat8
C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B),andhasnot establishedthatthebeneficiaryhasa high level of achievementin the
artsevidencedby a degreeof skill andrecognitionsubstantiallyabovethat ordinarilyencounteredto the extent
that he is recognizedas prominent,renowned,leading,or well-known in the field of music. 8 C.F.R. §
214.2(o)(3)(ii).
II. Discussion
The sole issueaddressedby the director is whetherthe petitionersubmittedevidenceto establishthat the
beneficiarysatisfiestheevidentiarycriterionat 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(A),or at leastthreeof the six criteria
setforthat8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B).
The petitioner filed the petition and supporting documentationon October 13, 2010. The director
subsequentlyissueda requestfor additionalevidence("RFE") on October26, 2010,to which the petitioner
respondedonNovember17,2010.
In a letterdatedSeptember29,2010,thepetitioner,which operatesa barandrestaurantknownas on
the Strip, statedthat it is alsoengagedin arrangingandpromotingentertainmenttours in the United States,
often featuring Middle Easternand Arabic performers.The petitioner statedthat it will promote the
beneficiary'supcomingconcerttour and assumeresponsibilityfor his salaryand expenses.The petitioner
indicatedthatthebeneficiaryis scheduledfor performanceson December23, 2010,December31, 2010,and
February14,2011,with attendanceateacheventexpectedto beapproximately500people.
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The petitionerdescribedthe beneficiary,a nativeandcitizenof Iraq, as"oneof the mostfamousperformers
andadmiredArabic singerson the musicscenetoday,"and"oneof the mostsuccessfulandadmiredsingers
in the Iraqi music industryfor manyyears." The petitionerfurther statedthat the beneficiaryhasobtained
internationalacclaimasanArabic singer,with multiple "best-sellingalbums."
A. TheEvidentiaryCriteria
If the petitionerestablishesthroughthe submissionof documentaryevidencethat the beneficiaryhas been
nominatedfor or hasbeentherecipientof, significantnationalor internationalawardsor prizesin theparticular
field pursuantto 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(A),then it will meet its burdenof proof with respectto the
beneficiary'seligibility for O-1classification.TheregulationlistsanAcademyAward,anEmmy,a Grammy,or
aDirector'sGuildawardasexamplesof qualifyingsignificantawardsor prizes.
Thepetitionerdid notclaimthatthebeneficiaryhaswonor beennominatedfor a Grammyawardor comparable
nationalor internationalaward,andcounselraisesnoobjectionto thedirector'sfindingthatthiscriterionwasnot
met.
Therefore,thepetitionermustestablishthebeneficiary'seligibility underat leastthreeof thesix criteriasetforth
at8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B).
Evidencethat the alien has performed, and will perform, servicesas a lead or starring
participant in productions or eventswhich have a distinguishedreputation as evidencedby
critical reviews,advertisements,publicity releases,publications,contracts,or endorsements
At thetimeof filing, thepetitionerindicatedthatthebeneficiaryhashad"successfulconcertperformancesin the
UnitedStates,Iraqandtherestof theGulf region." As evidenceof specificeventsor productionsin whichthe
beneficiaryhasappeared,thepetitionersubmittedwhatappearsto beadvertisingor promotionalmaterialsfor the
beneficiarydated2002and2003.Thesedocumentsarein the Arabic languageandarenot accompaniedby a
certifiedEnglishtranslation.Thepetitionersubmittedonetranslatedadvertisementindicatingthatthebeneficiary
wasscheduledto performatapartyheldatthe in Damascus,SyriaonApri 115,
2010. The advertisementindicatesthat "the starof the night will be the singerof the Radioand Television
andtopIraqisingers."
Thepetitionersubmittedevidencethatthebeneficiaryisamemberof the since1997,and
an "InformationCircular"dated2004from the SyrianAssociationof SingersandActorsindicatingthatthe
beneficiaryworkedas a "singerfor partiesandweddings"in Syriafor over six years. The petitioneralso
submitteda letterdatedMarch 19,1997,fromtheIraqiMinistry of PressandCulture,Departmentof Radioand
TelevisionBroadcasting.Theletteris addressedto theAssociationof SingersandActors,andindicatesthatthe
beneficiary"sangmanysongs"andincludesalistof 11songsthebeneficiaryperformedbetween1990and1993.
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Thepetitionersubmitteda letterfrom managerof Al KhadraStudioin Baghdad,Iraq.
confirmsthatthebeneficiaryrecordedanewworkofartfor2010titled"SayadEl Gloob."
The only otherdocumentaryevidencesubmittedincluded:(1) an interviewwith the beneficiarypublishedin
AlwanMagazineonApril 19,2001;(2) aninterviewwith thebeneficiaryfrom publishedin
February2002;(3)aninterviewwiththebeneficiarypublishedin onFebruary10,2002;and(4)
transcriptsof two televisioninterviewsthatareclaimedto havetakenplacein 2003and2008. Thepetitionerdid
not provideanArabictranscriptof eitherinterview. Thebeneficiary'sinterviewwith "Iraqi Tune"indicatesthat
the beneficiaryfirst reachedthemediathrougha televisionshowcalled"TalentsStudio"andhasperformedin
Syria,TurkeyandJordan.
With respectto the beneficiary'supcomingperformancesin the United States,the petitionersubmittedthe
beneficiary'sagreementwith thepetitionerto performatthreesingingengagements,aswell aslettersconfirming
thattheconcertshavebeenarranged. Presidentof Penna'sof Sterlingin Michiganwroteto
confirmthat the petitionerhasreservedhis facility for a ChristmasPartyon December23, 2010at which the
beneficiarywill perform. indicatedthatthepriceof thehall will be$50.00perperson,ticketsfor the
performancewill bepricedat$100.00perperson,andthepetitionerhasguaranteedattendanceat500guests.
ownerof PrestigeClub & BanquetCenterin Eleajon,Californiawroteto confirm that the
petitionerhasreservedhis club'sbanquetcenterfor December31,2010for the beneficiary'sperformance,and
guaranteedattendanceof 500guestsataticketpriceof $120.00perperson.Finally,
generalmanagerof the in Southfield,Michiganwroteto confirm that the
petitionerreservedthe banquetcenterfor a ValentinesDay Partywith guaranteedattendanceof 500guestson
February14,2011.
IntherequestforevidenceissuedonOctober26,2010,thedirectoradvisedthepetitionerthattheinitialevidence
failedto establishthatthebeneficiaryhasperformedor will performservicesasa leador starringparticipantin
productionsor eventswhich have a distinguishedreputation. The director notedthat the advertisements
submittedfor previouseventswerenot accompaniedby Englishtranslationsanddid not providesufficient
evidenceto establishthe beneficiary'slead or starringrole in productionsor eventswith a distinguished
reputation. The director instructedthe petitionerto provide additional evidencewith respectto prior
performancesin the forms of written reviewsfrom critics, advertisements,publicity releases,contractsor
endorsements.In regardto the beneficiary'splannedU.S. performances,the directorrequestedadditional
evidenceto establishthatthebeneficiarywouldparticipatein sucheventsin a leadingor starringroleandthatthe
eventsthemselveshaveadistinguishedreputation.
In a responsedatedNovember11,2010,thepetitionerstatedthatthebeneficiary"isthesoleperformerin his
shows,"andassuchis "themainattraction"and"thesinglereasonfor audiencemembersto attendthe show."
Thepetitionerstatedthat"previouslysubmittedadvertisementsofthebeneficiary'spreviousperformancesreferto
the beneficiaryas 'the star of the night' and 'a top Iraqi singer.'" The petitioneremphasizedthat the
advertisements"clearlydepictthebeneficiaryasa soleperformer,theyshownosupportingperformers."
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Thepetitionerindicatedthatadditionaladvertisingfor thebeneficiary'splannedperformancesin theUnitedStates
wouldoccuronly afterthevisapetitionis approved.Thepetitionerstatedits intentto "aggressivelypromotethe
performancesto ensurelargecrowds." Finally,the petitionerreferredto the magazineandnewspaperarticles
submittedat thetime of filing, notingthat sucharticles"evidencethefactthatthebeneficiaryhasperformedas
theleadandstarringroleandhasadistinguishedreputationin theartisticcommunity."
Thedirectordeterminedthatthesubmittedevidencefailedto meettheplainlanguageof theevidentiarycriterion
at 8 C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(1).In denyingthepetition,thedirectoronceagainemphasizedthat,althoughthe
petitionersubmittedadvertisementsfor someof thebeneficiary'sprior performances,it failedto submitEnglish
languagetranslationsof theoriginalArabicdocuments,andfurtherfailedto establishthroughevidencethatthe
performanceswere for eventsor productionsthat havea distinguishedreputation. The directorfound the
evidencesimilarlylackingwith respectto thebeneficiary'supcomingperformances,andnotedthatthepetitioner
is obligatedto establishthedistinguishedreputationof theperformancesthroughsubmissionof criticalreviews,
advertisements,publicityreleases,publications,contractsorendorsements.
Onappeal,counselassertsthatthepetitionerdid in factsubmitanadvertisementfromaperformancethatliststhe
beneficiaryasthe "starof the night" andas oneof the "top Iraqi singers." Counselcontendsthat all of the
submittedadvertisements"featurethebeneficiary'sfaceasthecentralfocusof theadvertisement,showingthathe
isthelead,starringperformer."
Counselfurthercontendsthatthesubmittedmagazinearticlesdo in factestablishthatthebeneficiaryperformed
in productionsoreventswhichhaveadistinguishedreputation.In thisregard,counselstates:
Typicallyawardandesteemis notmeasuredin MiddleEastemcountriesthesamewaythatit is
perceivedin the United States. There are no AcademyAwards, Grammys,or Platinum
measurementof sales.Acclaimandrecognitioncometo aMiddleEasternartistthroughwordof
mouth, articles in magazinesand newspapers,interview requests,publishedarticles, and
contractsfor live performancesandtourswithin the internationalArabic speakingcommunity.
The fact existsthat media in the Middle Easthas beenseverelycensoredand oppressed,
especiallyin Iraq. Sincethe fall of Saddamin the early 2000s,mediain Iraq hasbegunto
rebuildaftera previousregimeof oppression.. . . Thebeneficiaryhasgrownin acclaimand
popularitythroughoutthe yearsas evidenceby submittedexhibits. He . . . is talentedand
respectedin theArabicmusicalcommunity.His reputationis distinguishedamongotherartists
in his field, andhe is in high demandto performoutsideof the Middle East,to otherArabic
speakingcrowds.
Uponreview,theAAO concurswith thedirector'sdeterminationthatthepetitionerhasnotsubmittedevidenceto
satisfythecriterionat8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(1).
Theplain languageof this criterionrequiresthepetitionerto supportits assertionsregardingthe beneficiary's
leador starringrolein eventsorproductionswithadistinguishedreputationbysubmittingevidenceincluding
critical reviews,advertisements,publicity releases,publications,contracts,or endorsements.The petitioner
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has submitteda single advertisementindicatingthat the beneficiarywas the "star of the night" at a party
featuring"top Iraqi singers,"which washeld at the in Damascus,Syriaon
April 15, 2010. While the advertisementsappearto be sufficient to establishthat the beneficiarywas a
starringparticipantat this party,the AAO is unableto determinebasedon the advertisementalonethat this
event had a distinguishedreputation. As twice noted by the director, all other advertisementsfor the
beneficiary'spast performancesare in Arabic and have not been accompaniedby English translations.
Becausethe petitionerfailed to submit certified translationsof the documents,the AAO cannotdetermine
whetherthe evidencesupportsthepetitioner'sclaims. See8 C.F.R.§ 103.2(b)(3).Accordingly,the evidence
is not probativeandwill not beaccordedanyweight in this proceeding.Contraryto counsel'sassertions,the
fact thatthe beneficiary'sphotographappearsto befeaturedon the advertisementsis insufficientto establish
eachelementof this evidentiarycriterion.
The petitioner appearsto be relying on claims regardingthe beneficiary'sreputationas a popularArabic
singerin lieu of providing specificdocumentaryevidencerelatingto any particulareventsor productionsin
which he hasparticipatedor will participate. Going on recordwithout supportingdocumentaryevidenceis
not sufficient for purposesof meetingthe burdenof proof in theseproceedings.Matter of Soffici, 22 I&N
Dec. 158, 165 (Comm'r. 1998) (citing Matter of TreasureCraft of California, 14 I&N Dec. 190 (Reg.
Comm'r. 1972)). The fact that the beneficiarywas interviewedby magazinesandnewspapersis significant
and will be consideredunder the appropriateevidentiary criterion below; however,the content of the
interviewsdoesnot confirmthe beneficiary'sperformancein a leador starringrole at anyparticulareventor
productionwith adistinguishedreputation.
Furthermore,this regulatorycriterionalsorequiresthepetitionerto submitevidencethatthebeneficiary"will
perform" servicesas a lead or starring participant in productionsor eventswhich have a distinguished
reputationas evidencedby critical reviews,advertisements,publicity releases,publications,contracts,or
endorsements.
Thepetitionerhassubmittedevidenceto establishthatthe beneficiarywill performasthe soleperformerat a
Christmasparty,aNewYearsEveparty,andaValentine'sDaypartyin theUnitedStates,andindicatesthatit
expectsto sell 500or moreticketsto eachevent. Thepetitionerhasnot, however,providedevidencein the
form of advertisements,publicity releases,publications,contracts,or endorsementsto establishthatanyof the
productionsor eventsin which the beneficiarywill participatehave a "distinguishedreputation." The
petitioner stressesthat no advertisingcostswill be incurreduntil the beneficiary'svisa petition has been
approved.However,the regulationsclearlyrequirethepetitionerto supportits claimswith specificformsof
documentaryevidence.WhiletheAAO doesnotdoubtthepetitioner'sclaimsthatthebeneficiarywouldbe
the soleperformerat the engagementsthat it hasarrangedfor him, the petitionerhasfailed to establishthat
suchengagementscouldbeconsideredeventswith a distinguishedreputation. Thepetitioner'sclaim that the
beneficiaryis a popularsingerwho will garnerthe interestof Americanaudiencesis insufficientto meetthe
evidentiaryrequirementssetforth in theregulations.
Basedontheforegoingdiscussion,weconcurwith thedirector'sconclusionthatthiscriterionhasnotbeenmet.
Page10
Evidencethat the alien has achievednational or international recognitionfor achievements
evidencedby critical reviewsor otherpublishedmaterialsby or abouttheindividualin major
newspapers,tradejournals,magazines,or otherpublications
As notedabove,the petitionersubmittedthreepublishedinterviewswith the beneficiary. The first was an
interviewpublishedin theApril 19,2001editionof magazine.Thearticlementionsthatthebeneficiary
gainedpopularitywith his first song,' andthen "vanished." The beneficiaryrespondsto the
interviewer'sinquiryaboutthe statusof his career,notingthathehasbeendoinghis showsin Syria,but had
returnedto Baghdadto recordnewson . Thebeneficiaryindicatedthathehasrecorded70 songsbut did not
considerthemto beasgoodas
The secondinterviewwas publishedin magazinein February2002.The intervieweraskedthe
beneficiarywhat he hasbeendoing sincerecording The beneficiaryrespondedthat he had
recordedfour songs"for theTV." Thebeneficiarymentionedthathegothisstartasa singerontheprogram
The intervieweralsoaskedthe beneficiaryaboutplayingas a professionalplayeron the
Finally,thepetitionersubmitteda shortarticlefromtheFebruary10,2002issueof Thearticle
indicatesthatthebeneficiary"is oneof thebestartistsingerof " Theinterviewerasked
the beneficiaryabouthis relationswith singe The beneficiaryrespondedthat he met
uringanamateurtalentprogram,andmadeanagreementto recordthreesongs,includingthesong
whichgavehimhisstart.
Thepetitioneralsosubmittedthetranscriptsfor two televisioninterviews,butdid notprovidetheoriginalArabic
languagetranscripts,video of the original interviews,or evidenceidentifyingwhenandwherethe interviews
aired.
In theRFEissuedonOctober26,2010,thedirectoracknowledgedthepetitioner'ssubmissionof thearticles,but
notedthatthepetitionerfailedto establishthattheinterviewswerepublishedin majormagazinesor newspapers
with a nationalor internationalcirculation.The directorfurther found that the interviewsthemselvesdo not
sufficientlyattestto thebeneficiary'sachievementof nationalor internationalrecognition.
In itsresponsedatedNovember11,2010,thepetitionerstated:
[T]hebeneficiaryhasbeenfeaturedin severalnewspapers,magazinesandotherpublications;3
of which havebeenpreviouslysubmitted.The first articleprintedon April 19,2001,was
publishedin anArabiclifestyle,entertainment,andsocialma azine ublished
in Lebanon.Theinterviewfeatured[thebeneficiary]discussinghishit song as
well asotherperformancesandrecordings.The secondarticlefrom on
February20,2002features[thebeneficiary]discussinghissong Thearticleincluded
a largepictureof [thebeneficiary].Thethird articlesubmittedis a 2002articlefrom theTikrit
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Newspaper,describing[the beneficiary]as "oneof the bestartist singers"with a "strongand
beautifulvoice."
With respectto this criterion,the petitioneralso emphasizedthat it submitteda letter from the
advisingthat "thebeneficiaryis a singer/entertainerof extraordinaryability as
demonstratedby sustainedinternationalacclaim." Thepetitionerdid notsubmitanyadditionalevidencerelating
to thiscriterionin responseto theRFE.
The directordeterminedthat the evidencesubmitteddoesnot satisfythe evidentiarycriterion at 8 C.F.R.
§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(2). Thedirectoracknowledgedthepetitioner'sclaimthatthefavorableconsultationfrom
AFM provides evidencethat the beneficiaryhas achievednational or internationalrecognition for his
achievementsin music. However,thedirectoremphasizedthata consultationletterconstitutesneithera critical
reviewnorpublishedmaterialaboutthebeneficiary.
Thedirectorconcludedthat,whilethepetitionersubmittedpublishedmaterialaboutthebeneficiaryin theformof
three publishedinterviewsfrom 2001 and 2002,the petitionerfailed to establishthat the interviewswere
publishedin majornewspapersandmagazines.
On appeal,counsel assertsthat "the beneficiaryhas achievedwidespreadrecognition for his musical
achievementsstretchingas far from Syria and Iraq to the United States." Counselonceagainrelieson the
consultationletterfrom in supportof thepetitioner'sclaimthatthiscriterionhasbeenmet. Counselasserts
that the beneficiary"is well known outsideof his homecountry,""hasperformedoutsideof Iraq, and been
featuredin publicationswhich circulatethroughoutthe world," andis "in high demandto performlive in the
UnitedStates."
Counselfurtherassertsthat and "aremajorpublications
in IraqandthroughouttheMiddle Eastregion. Counselindicatesthat is a daily publicationin
Lebanonwith a large circulation,and is a large daily newspaperin Iraq, thus establishingthat the
beneficiaryenjoysinternationalacclaim.
Counselindicatesthatthebeneficiarywasinterviewedin onApril 11,2010,andin
on April 12,2010. Counselprovidesa summaryof theseallegedarticles,but
submitsno additionaldocumentaryevidencein supportof the appeal.Counselassertsthat "in a regionof the
world wherenationsareattemptingto rebuildfreemediawhoseexpressionhasbeenoppressedby yearsof tyrant
dictatorship,theseaccomplishmentsaremorethan significant." Finally, counselcontendsthat "the statuteis
beingunintentionally,yet prejudiciallymisconstruedagainsta minority whosemediaoperatesin a different
formatthanthoseof westernsociety."
Theplainlanguageoftheregulationat8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(2)requiresthepetitionerto demonstrate
thatthebeneficiaryhasachievednationalor internationalrecognitionfor achievementsthroughsubmissionof
critical reviewsor otherpublishedmaterialsby or aboutthe individual in major newspapers,tradejournals,
magazines,or otherpublications. In general,in orderfor publishedmaterialto meetthis criterion,it mustbe
Page12
primarily aboutthebeneficiaryand,asstatedin theregulations,be printedin majornewspapers,magazinesor
other major publications. To qualify as major media,the publicationshouldhave significantnationalor
internationaldistribution.Somenewspapers,suchastheNewYork Times,nominallyserveaparticularlocality
but would qualifyasmajormediabecauseof significantnationaldistribution,unlikesmalllocalcommunity
papers.1
Thepetitionerhassubmittedevidenceof threepublishedinterviewswith thebeneficiary,buthasnot provided
evidencethat the publications,namely havea
significant nationalor internationaldistributionor otherwisequalify as "major" magazinesor newspapers.
While the petitioner claims that is published in Lebanon,while the others are Iraqi
publications,the fact that articles were publishedin more than one country is insufficient to establish
internationalrecognitionfrom the media. The regulationrequiresthe petitionerto also establishthat the
publishedmaterialbe printedin major newspapersor magazines.Therefore,the submittedarticles,without
more, are insufficient to establish the beneficiary'snational or international recognition. Counsel's
unsupportedassertionsthat the publicationsaremajor magazinesor newspapersis not sufficient. Without
documentaryevidenceto supporttheclaim,theassertionsof counselwill not satisfythepetitioner'sburdenof
proof. Theunsupportedassertionsof counseldonot constituteevidence.Matter of Obaigbena,19I&N Dec.
533,534(BIA 1988);MatterofLaureano,19I&N Dec.1(BIA 1983);MatterofRamirez-Sanchez,17I&N
Dec.503,506(BIA 1980).
On appeal,counselreferencesand summarizestwo additionalinterviewswith the beneficiarywhich were
allegedlypublishedin April 2010. Theappealis notaccompaniedby copiesof thesepublications. Counsel's
assertionsthatthearticleswerepublishedcannotbeacceptedin lieu of primaryevidenceof their publication
and accompanyingevidence establishingthat the articles did in fact appearin major newspapersor
magazines.Theunsupportedstatementsof counselon appealor in a motionarenot evidenceandthusarenot
entitled to any evidentiaryweight. SeeINS v. Phinpathya,464 U.S. 183, 188-89n.6 (1984); Matter of
Ramirez-Sanchez,17I&N Dec.503(BIA 1980).
Finally, we observethatthedirectorcorrectlydeterminedthata favorableconsultationfrom the is not a
form of evidencethat canbe usedto satisfythis evidentiarycriterion. The consultationsatisfiesthe
petitioner'sburdento submita written advisoryopinion from an appropriateconsultingentity pursuantto 8
C.F.R. § 214.2(o)(2)(ii)(D). The regulationat 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(2)explicitly requiresthe
petitionerto submitevidencethatthe alienhasachievednationalor internationalrecognitionfor achievements
evidencedbycritical reviewsor otherpublishedmaterialsbyor abouttheindividualin majornewspapers,trade
journals, magazines,or otherpublications.(Emphasisadded).An advisoryopinionletterfromtheAFM clearly
cannotbeusedto satisfythiscriterion.
Although counselappearsto suggestthat someexceptionbe madebecausemediain the Middle East,and
particularlyin Iraq,operatesdifferentlyfromwesternmedia,counselsimultaneouslycontendsthatthebeneficiary
hasreceivedqualifyingmediaattentionfrom majorpublicationsin morethanonecountry,includinghis home
1Evenwith nationally-circulatednewspapers,considerationmustbegivento theplacementof thearticle. For
example,an article that appearsin the WashingtonPost, but in a sectionthat is distributedonly in Fairfax
County,Virginia, for instance,cannotserveto spreadanindividual'sreputationoutsideof thatcounty.
Page13
countryof Iraq. The petitionermust demonstratewith supportingevidencethat a given criterion doesnot
readily applywhenseekingto rely on comparableevidence.The beneficiary'sinability to meetthe criterion
doesnot demonstratethat it is not readily applicableto the beneficiary'soccupation.Similarly,the assertion
that it is difficult to meetthe criterion in the beneficiary'soccupationwill not suffice as evidencethat the
criterion doesnot readilyapplyto the beneficiary'soccupation.Here,thepetitionersimplyfailed to provide
copiesof severalclaimedpublishedarticlesaboutthe beneficiary,and failed to documentthat the articles
submittedwerepublishedin major magazinesor newspapers.TheAAO finds no basisto concludethat it is
impossiblefor anArabicsingerwhoisclaimedtobe"oneof themostfamousperformersandadmiredArabic
singersonthemusicscenetoday"to submitdocumentaryevidencein supportof thatclaim.
Evidencethatthealienhasperformed,andwill perform,in a lead,starring,or critical rolefor
organizationsand establishmentsthat havea distinguishedreputationevidencedby articlesin
newspapers,tradejournals,publications,or testimonials.
To meetthecriterionat 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(3),thepetitionerreliedonessentiallythesameevidence
submittedwithregardto 8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(1).
In responseto thedirector'srequestfor additionalevidenceto meetthiscriterion,thepetitionerstated:
While in Michigan, [the beneficiary]will performat variouslocationsknown to host large
musicalandartisticperformancesona consistentbasis.Dueto his largefanbase,it is expected
thattheshowswouldhavea significantturnout.As statedabove,thebeneficiarywill performin
alead,starring,andcriticalrolein theseshowsasheisthesoleperformer.
Thedirectordeterminedthatthepetitioner'sevidencefailedto satisfythis criterion,notingthatthepetitionerdid
not supportits claimsthatthe organizationsandestablishmentsthathavehostedandwill hostthebeneficiary's
performanceshaveadistinguishedreputation.
Onappeal,counselasserts:
Thebeneficiarywasscheduledto performatthreelocationsin southeasternMichigan: Regency
Manor& BanquetCenter,PrestigeClubandBanquetCenter,andPenna'sof Sterling. At least
450 peoplewereexpectedto attendeachperformance,with ticket pricesrangingfrom $90to
$120. Thesevenuescommonlyhostlargebanquetsandspecialevents,includinglargemusical
andartisticperformances.Additionally,theselargevenueshavebeenestablishedfor manyyears
andareknown aspremierebanquethalls cateringto performersand largegroupswithin the
Arabic communityas well as regionally. The Beneficiarywould undoubtedlyincreasehis
bookingsfor future concertsand tours in an evenlargergeographicalareaif he were able to
guaranteehisperformancesby havingasecuredO-1visa.
Page14
Uponreview,counsel'sassertionsarenot persuasive.Thepetitionerhasnot submittedevidenceto satisfythe
criterionat 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(3),whichrequiresthepetitionerto submitarticlesin newspapers,trade
journals,publications,ortestimonialsin supportof itsclaimsthatthebeneficiaryhasperformedandwill perform,
in alead,starring,orcriticalrolefor organizationsandestablishmentsthathaveadistinguishedreputation.
Here,thepetitionerreliesoncounsel'sunsupportedassertionsthatthebanquetshallsatwhichthebeneficiarywill
performin theUnitedStateshavea distinguishedreputation.Goingon recordwithout supportingdocumentary
evidenceis not sufficientfor purposesof meetingtheburdenof proof in theseproceedings.Matter ofSoffici,
22I&N Dec.158,165(Comm'r1998)(citingMatterof TreasureCraftof Cahfornia,14I&N Dec.190(Reg.
Comm'r 1972)). Again, without documentaryevidenceto supportthe claim, the assertionsof counselwill not
satisfythe petitioner'sburdenof proof. The unsupportedassertionsof counseldo not constituteevidence.
Matterof Obaigbena,19I&N Dec.at 534(BIA 1988);Matterof Laureano,19I&N Dec.1 (BIA 1983);
MatterofRamirez-Sanchez,17I&N Dec.at506(BIA 1980).
The record remainsdevoid of any publishedarticlesor testimonialsattestingto the beneficiary'spast or
upcoming lead, starring or critical role for an organizationor establishmentthat has a distinguished
reputation. Accordingly,the petitionerhasnot submittedevidencerequiredto meetthe criterionat 8 C.F.R.
§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(3).
Evidencethat thealien hasa recordof majorcommercialor critically acclaimedsuccessesas
evidencedby suchindicatorsas title, rating, standingin thefield, boxofficereceipts,motion
picture or televisionratings, and other occupationalachievementsreportedin tradejournals,
majornewspapers,or otherpublications
At thetimeof filing, thepetitionerdescribedthebeneficiaryas"oneof themostfamousperformersandadmired
Arabicsingersonthemusicsciencetoday,"andmentionedthathehadproduced"best-sellingalbums."
Thepetitionerindicatedin responseto theRFEthatthe"sampling"of magazineandnewspaperpublications
submittedatthetimeof filing establishesthatthebeneficiary"hasreceivedcriticallyacclaimedsuccesses."The
petitionerfurtherstated:
Wehavealsopreviouslysubmittedtranscriptsfromtwo televisioninterviewsthatthebeneficiary
hasparticipatedin. In a 2003interviewby thebeneficiarydiscusseshow
his singingcareerbeganat a youngageby singingfor his friendsat parties.He alsodiscussed
howheauditionedfor a ata localtelevisionstationandwasselectedfor
theprogramamongover2,000applicants.Healsoexplainedthathehasrecordedseveralsongs
andproducedanalbumthatwasdistributedin IraqandvirtuallytheentireArabiccommunity.
The beneficiaryfurther discussedin the interview that he has worked with severalelite
performersin theindustryandhastraveledto performin theaters,festivalsandvariousparties.
He furtherexplainedhowhehadbeenableto establisha strongreputationandgainrecognition
throughoutthemusiccommunity.
Page15
The beneficiaryparticipatedin a secondtelevisioninterview in 2008. The host beganthe
interview by addressingthe beneficiaryas "the greatartist, with a beautifulvoice." The
beneficiaryagaintalkedabouthismusicalinfluencesandperformedhis song, for
theaudience.
Thedirectoracknowledgedthepetitioner'sclaimsthatthebeneficiary'spublishedandtelevisedmediainterviews,
participationin atelevisedtalentshow,andproductionof analbumsatisfythiscriterion.Thedirectorobserved,
however,thatneitherthepublishedarticlesnorthesubmittedtelevisioninterviewtranscriptsaddresswhetherthe
beneficiaryhasa recordof majorcommercialor critical success.Thedirectornotedthatthesubmittedarticles
comparethebeneficiary'ssingingstyleandtoneto thatof anothersinger.Thedirectorfurtheremphasizedthatthe
petitionerfailedto submittheoriginallanguagetranscriptof thebeneficiary'stelevisioninterviews,andtherefore,
the Englishtranslationcannotbe givenfull evidentiaryweight. Finally,the directorfoundthatthe petitioner's
claimthatthebeneficiary'smusichasbeendistributedthroughouttheentireArabiccommunitywasnotsupported
by evidence.
On appeal,counselassertsthat the recordshowsthat the beneficiary'sachievementshavebeenreportedin
numerousmajor newspapersand other publications. Counselmaintainsthat
and Newspaperare all major
publicationswith largecirculationsin the Middle Eastandbeyond. Counselemphasizesthat the referenced
publications"praisethe beneficiary'sextraordinarytalentand discusshis sustainednationaland international
success"overa spanof tenyears. Counselfurtherassertsthatthe"publicationsarecirculatednotonly onlinein
Iraq, Syriaandthe Middle East,but alsoin Europe,Asia andthroughaccessiblevenueson the World Wide
Web."
Theplainlanguageoftheregulationat8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(4)requiresthebeneficiary'scommercialor
critically acclaimedsuccessesto be"evidencedby suchindicatorsastitle, rating,standingin thefield, boxoffice
receipts,motionpictureor televisionratings,andotheroccupationalachievementsreportedin tradejournals,
major newspapers,or otherpublications." In the beneficiary'sfield, evidencesatisfyingthis criterionwould
reasonablyincludeevidenceof albumor singlesales,radio airplayrankingsandsimilar evidenceof tangible
achievementsin the music industry. The beneficiary'sinterviews with magazinesand newspapersof
undocumentedcirculationandinterviewswith televisionshowsof unknownoriginandviewershipdonotprovide
directevidenceof the beneficiary'scommercialor critically acclaimedsuccess.Rather,suchevidenceis more
appropriatelyconsideredunderthecriterionat 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(2),andhasbeenconsideredabove.
None of the informationprovidedin the publishedmaterialsor interviewtranscriptcould be construedas
objectiveevidenceof commercialor criticalsuccess.
Thepetitioner'sclaimthatthebeneficiaryhasproducedseveralbest-sellingCDsis notsupportedby evidence
suchasreliabledocumentationof salesfigures. Further,theAAO notesthatthefactthata CD is availablefor
purchasedoesnotprovideevidencethatthebeneficiaryhasarecordofmajorcommercialorcriticallyacclaimed
successesas evidencedby suchindicatorsas title, rating,standingin the field, and otheroccupational
achievementsreportedin tradejournals,major newspapers,or otherpublications. Going on record without
Page16
supportingdocumentaryevidenceis not sufficient for purposesof meetingthe burdenof proof in these
proceedings.Matter of Soffici, 22 I&N Dec. at 165(citing Matter of TreasureCraft of California, 14I&N
Dec.190(Reg.Comm'r1972)).
For the foregoingreasons,the petitionerhasnot submittedevidencethat satisfiesthe evidentiarycriterionat 8
C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(4).
Evidence that the alien has received signficant recognition for achievementsfrom
organizations,critics, governmentagencies,or otherrecognizedexpertsin thefield in which
thealien is engaged.Suchtestimonialsmustbein aform whichclearly indicatestheauthor's
authority,expertise,andknowledgeof thealien'sachievements.
At thetime of filing, thepetitionersubmittedseverallettersrelatingto this criterion. Thepetitionersubmitteda
letterdatedJanuary10,2010fromtheIraqi PublicServiceBroadcastingandTransmissionIraqMediaNetwork,
addressedto the Iraqi Artist Syndicate.The letterconfirmsthatthe beneficiary"hasworkedasa singerin the
radio& televisionandhis songstapesarestill beingbroadcastedandtelevised."Theletterfurtherstatesthatthe
beneficiary"hasmanyworksof artsinthisfield."
The petitioneralsosubmittedthreeidenticallettersfrom personsassociatedwith the arearadio station
. Thelettersarefrom: Mid-
EastMediaRadio;andMoice of FutureRadio,andeachletteris printedon
letterhead."Eachpersonclaimsto bethe "Director/Managerof RadioShow,RadioProgram." Theradio
stationis describedas one mainly targetedtoward listenersof Arab and EasternEuropeandescent. Each
individualprovidinga letterindicatesthatthebeneficiaryis an"internationallyacclaimedsingerandperformer,"
andan"extremelypopularsingerwhohasfansacrosstheworld,includingMichigan." Eachletteralsostatesthat
the beneficiary'smusic"is oftenrequestedandplayed"on the station,andindicatesthattheArabic population
acrosstheworldandin Michiganis "awareof histalentandinternationalrecognition."
In the RFE issuedon October26, 2010,the directoradvisedthe petitionerthat the initial evidencefailed to
establishthe significanceof the beneficiary'sachievements. The director acknowledgedthe petitioner's
submissionof lettersfrom the DetroitAM radiostation,but notedthat "all threelettersareexactlythe samein
contentandformat,"andthat little evidentiaryweightwouldbegivento them. Thedirectoralsoacknowledged
thepetitioner'ssubmissionof lettersfromthe andthe but
notedthatsuchevidencealsofailedto establishthatthebeneficiaryhasreceivedsignificantrecognitionfor his
achievementsin thearts. Accordingly,thedirectoradvisedthepetitionerto submitadditionalevidencein support
of thiscriterion.
In its responsedatedNovember11,2010,the petitionerrelied uponthe favorableadvisoryopinionfrom the
thebeneficiary'smembershipin theIraqi Unionof Artists,theletterfromthe
whichconfirmsthatthebeneficiaryis a "knownartist,"andthe letterfromthe same
organizationconfirmingthatthebeneficiaryhasworkedasasingerin radioandtelevision.
Page17
The director determinedthat the petitionerfailed to submit evidenceto satisfythe plain languageof the
evidentiarycriterionat8C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(5).Specifically,thedirectorstated:
A favorableconsultationdoesnotmeetthiscriterionastheconsultationdoesnotclearlyindicate
the author'sknowledgeof the beneficiary'sachievementsas promulgatedin the regulations.
Furthermore,the evidenceis insufficientto establishthat membershipin the Iraqi Union of
Artists is limited to only extraordinaryartists. Finally, the confirmation
thatthebeneficiaryis aknownartistis insufficientto meetthestringentevidentiaryrequirements
of theO-1classification.
On appeal,counselassertsthatthepetitionersubmittednumerousletterswrittenby variousradioandtelevision
personnelwhich "provethatthebeneficiaryhasextraordinaryability andhasreceivedsignificantrecognition."
Counselcontendsthat"all of thelettersdiscussedthebeneficiary'stalentsandconfirmedthatheis internationally
known,extremelyfamousespeciallyin theArabiccommunityacrosstheworld andhasachieveda high levelof
achievementin thefield."
Counselmaintainsthattheletterswerewrittenby executivesof Americanradioandtelevisionprograms,andthat
suchindividualsare"ableto know of thebeneficiarybecausehehasreceivedsignificantrecognitionfrom fans
acrosstheworld andpeoplein southeasternMichiganarerequestinghismusic." Counselfurtherassertsthatthe
beneficiaryhas beenrecognizedby AFM as a "singer/entertainerof extraordinaryability, which has been
demonstratedby sustainedacclaim."
Upon review, the AAO concurswith the director'sdeterminationthat the submittedtestimonialsand other
documentaryevidence do not satisfy the plain languageof the evidentiary criterion at 8 C.F.R.
§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(5).As notedby thedirector,theletterssubmittedbM, and .
areidenticalin content.Therepetitionsindicatethatthelanguageof thesethreelettersis nottheauthors'
own andgreatlydetractfrom the letters'probativevalue. Furthermore,otherthanindicatingin thebodyof the
form letterthat eachauthoris the "director/managerof RadioShow,RadioProgram,"the recordcontainsno
evidencethatwouldestablishthatanyof theindividualswouldbeconsidereda "recognizedexpert"in thefield,
asrequiredby8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(5).
The fact that the beneficiaryis a memberof the Iraqi Union of Artists andis an artistrecognizedby the Iraq
MediaNetwork is sufficientto establishthat he is a working performingartist andentertainerby profession.
However,the petitionerfails to explain how membershipin the artistsunion or ongoingbroadcastof the
beneficiary'sartisticwork constitutesa significantrecognitionfor achievementsin the beneficiary'sfield. The
petitionerhasnotsubmittedevidence,for example,to establishthattheIraqiUnionof Artistsrequiressignificant
or outstandingachievementasanessentialconditionfor membershipor otherwiseidentifiedor documentedthe
criteriaformembership.
Basedon the foregoing,the petitionerhasnot submittedevidencethat satisfiesthe criterionat 8 C.F.R. §
214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(5).
Page18
Evidencethat thealienhaseithercommandeda highsalaryor will commanda highsalaryor
othersubstantialremunerationfor servicesin relation to othersin thefield, as evidencedby
contractsor otherreliableevidence
The directordeterminedthatthe criterionat 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(6)wasmet basedon thepetitioner's
submissionof evidencethatthebeneficiaryhasbeenoffereda salaryof $10,000perengagementfor eachof his
threescheduledperformancesin theUnitedStates. TheAAO agreeswith thedirector'sdeterminationthatthis
criterionhasbeenmet.
Summary
In this case,we concurwith the director'sdeterminationthat the petitionerhas failed to demonstratehis
receiptof a major, internationallyrecognizedaward,or that he meetsat leastthreeof the six categoriesof
evidencethat mustbe satisfiedto establishthe minimum eligibility requirementsnecessaryto qualify asan
alienof extraordinaryabilityin thearts. 8C.F.R.§§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(A)and(B). A finalmeritsdetermination
thatconsidersall of theevidencefollows.
B. Final MeritsDetermination
Kazariansetsforthatwo-partapproachwheretheevidenceis first countedandthenconsideredin thecontextof
afinal meritsdetermination.However,asdiscussedabove,thepetitionerestablishedeligibility underonly oneof
thecriteriafoundundertheregulationat8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B).Notwithstandingtheabove,afinalmerits
determinationconsidersall of theevidencein thecontextof whetheror notthepetitionerhasdemonstrated:(1)
that the beneficiaryhasa high level of achievementin the artsevidencedby a degreeof skill andrecognition
substantiallyabovethatordinarilyencounteredto theextentthathe is renowned,leading,or well-knownin the
field of arts,pursuantto 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(ii);and(2) thatthebeneficiaryis recognizedasbeingprominent
inhisfield,pursuantto8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv).SeeKazarian,2010WL 725317at*3.
In this case,we concurwith the director'sfinding thatthe petitionerhasnot establishedthatthe beneficiaryis
prominentto theextentthathecouldbeconsideredrenowned,leadingorwell-knowninthefield of music.
The specificdeficienciesin the documentationsubmittedby the petitionerhavealreadybeenaddressedin our
precedingdiscussionof theregulatorycriteriaat 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B).Thisclassificationfocusesonthe
beneficiary'sindividualachievementsandrecognitionwithin thefield. Thepetitionerhasprovidedinsufficient
corroboratingevidenceof suchrecognition,andhasnot supportedits assertionsthatthe beneficiaryis a "best-
selling"artist,"oneof themostfamousperformersandadmiredsingersonthemusicscenetoday,"or "oneof the
mostsuccessfulandadmiredsingersintheIraqimusicindustry."
Thespecificdeficienciesin thedocumentationsubmittedbythepetitionerhavealreadybeenaddressedin our
precedingdiscussionoftheregulatorycriteriaat8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B).Theevidenceof recordindicates
thatthebeneficiaryhasreceivedsomeattentionfrom themediasincelaunchinghis careeron a televisedtalent
Page19
competition,but the petitionerhasfailed to providesufficientevidenceof the beneficiary'sachievementsand
recognitionin the form of majormediaattention,critical reviews,salesfigures,awards,nominationsor other
evidencethatwouldreasonablybeavailableto anartistwho is claimedto bewell-knownandhighly successful
within his genre.Althoughit appearsthat the beneficiary'sprofessionalmusicalcareerbeganin earnestin the
early 1990s,thefew articlessubmittedsuggestthatthebeneficiarywasconsideredto have"vanished"from the
musicscenein Iraqafteronepopularsong.
Further,the recordremainsdevoidof any documentaryevidenceof the beneficiary'scritical and commercial
successasa musicianin Iraq or any othercountryin the form of articles,reviews,testimonials,salesfigures,
incomeor anyotherindiciaof his standingin theIraqinationalmusicindustryor in anyotherpartof theworld.
As discussed,therecordconsistsof unsupportedassertionsthatthebeneficiaryisaworld-famousandbest-selling
artistin theArabiccommunity.Althoughweacknowledgecounsel'sclaimthatthebeneficiaryshouldnotbeheld
to Westernstandardsof fameandpopularity,thepetitionerdoesin factclaimthatthebeneficiaryis well-known
outsideof his home country of Iraq, and popularwith Arabic audiencesworldwide, including American
audiences.
The AAO emphasizesthat four out of the six criteria set forth at 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)requirethe
petitionerto submitvarioustypesof publishedmaterialsto establishthebeneficiary'srecognition,suchascritical
reviews,advertisements,publicity releases,newspaper,magazineor tradejournal articles.Therefore,it is
significantthatthepetitionerhassubmittedrelativelylittle publishedevidenceregardingthebeneficiary.Absent
evidencethat the regulatorycriteria are not applicableto the beneficiary'soccupation,pursuantto 8 C.F.R.
§214.2(o)(3)(iv)(C),thepetitionermustsubmitpublishedmaterials"about"thebeneficiaryin orderto establish
hiseligibility for this classification.It is notreasonableto includethebeneficiaryamongthegroupof musicians
recognizedinthefield asleading,renownedorwell-knownif thepetitionerdoesnotestablishthathehasreceived
significantindependentrecognitionbasedon his own reputationor achievements. Here,the scantpublished
evidencesubmittedaboutthebeneficiaryis from 2001and2002only. Whilewe donot discountthepossibility
thatthebeneficiaryis in factanationally-recognizedartistin Iraqor elsewherein theMiddleEast,thepetitioner
hassimplynot documentedits assertionsregardingthebeneficiary'scareerwith therequiredsupportingevidence.
Therefore,the conclusionwe reachby consideringeachevidentiarycriterion separatelyis consistentwith a
reviewof theevidencein theaggregate.Evenin theaggregate,theevidencedoesnotdistinguishthebeneficiary
as a singeror musicianwho hasachieveda level of distinctionto the extentthat he canbe deemedto be
renowned,leading,orwell-knowninthefieldof music.8C.F.R.§214.2(o)(3)(ii).Accordingly,theappealwill
bedismissed.
III. Conclusion
Reviewoftherecorddoesnotestablishthatthebeneficiaryhasdistinguishedhimselfto suchanextentthathe
may be saidto be renowned,leading,or well-knownin the arts.8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(o)(3)(ii). Therefore,the
petitionerhasnot establishedeligibility pursuantto section101(a)(lS)(O)(i)of the Act andthe petition may
notbeapproved.
I
Page20
In visa petitionproceedings,the burdenof provingeligibility for the benefitsoughtremainsentirelywith the
petitioner.Section291of theAct, 8 U.S.C.§ 1361.Here,thatburdenhasnotbeenmet.
ORDER: Theappealisdismissed.