According to an official press release, Dr. Lela Guledani, a Georgian-born scholar, nonprofit leader, and business coach based in New York, is calling for transparency and fairness from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) following what she describes as “unexplained delays and administrative errors” in her employment-based green card petition.
At a press conference scheduled for October 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Tvistomimedia Office located at3057 Brighton 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY in Brighton Beach, Dr. Guledani will publicly address her ongoing case and urge USCIS to finalize her EB-2 National Interest Waiver petition, which she says has been stalled despite her adherence to all legal and procedural requirements.
Dr. Guledani explained that although she paid for premium processing — which typically guarantees a decision within a fixed timeline — her case has exceeded the 60-day window without resolution.
“Today marks the sixtieth day since my premium process began. I have always maintained full legal status in the United States, and I believe my petition clearly meets all the requirements,” she said.
She further cited irregularities in the USCIS online system, including unauthorized temporary withdrawals and subsequent reopening of her case, followed by new evidence requests.
“My case file already includes sufficient documentation to support approval,” she added.
According to Dr. Guledani, USCIS has acknowledged an internal administrative error in processing her petition. Despite this admission, she received an additional request for evidence — a move she says raises serious questions about procedural accuracy and fairness within the agency.
Dr. Guledani’s background reflects a career devoted to education, conflict resolution, and civic engagement. She holds a Ph.D. in International Business and has spent over 15 years teaching at the university level. In Georgia, she served as Minister for Conflict Issues and as an invited specialist to the Parliament of Georgia. She also participated in the Open World Program, a U.S. Congressional exchange initiative promoting leadership and transparency.
Since settling in New York, she has continued to serve her community as a Business Education Instructor at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, a Microeconomics lecturer at the College of Staten Island, and an active member of the Women and Minority Entrepreneurs Committee. She is also the founder of Guledani Insight Partners, a consulting firm offering leadership and team-building training for small businesses.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Guledani has volunteered in local election campaigns, supported immigrant women through the New York Women’s Club, and contributed to organizations such as the Georgian-American Republican Alliance and the Georgian-American Business Association.
“As a human rights defender from the occupied territories of Georgia and a single mother of three, I remain confident that USCIS will correct its mistake and approve my green card application in accordance with the law,” said Dr. Guledani.
Dr. Guledani’s case, she says, represents a larger issue faced by skilled immigrants across the United States who contribute to the nation’s innovation, education, and community life while navigating bureaucratic obstacles.
“My goal is simple — to continue contributing to America’s success through education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. I deeply believe that my work supports the values this nation was built upon,” she stated.
Her message to USCIS and policymakers is clear: uphold fairness and efficiency in immigration review processes to reflect America’s enduring commitment to justice and opportunity for all.