Per a recent press release, Dr. Lela Guledani, a scholar, nonprofit founder, and business coach originally from Georgia but living in New York, is advocating for more transparency and equity from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after encountering “unjustified delays and administrative mistakes” regarding her employment-based green card petition.
A press conference will be held on October 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Tvistomimedia Office, 3057 Brighton 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY in Brighton Beach. Dr. Guledani is set to discuss her case publicly there and urge the USCIS to process her EB-2 National Interest Waiver petition, which she maintains has been delayed despite her full legal compliance.
Concerns Over Delays and Procedures
Dr. Guledani said that, while she paid the premium processing fee—designed to ensure verdicts within a fixed time—her petition has now gone over the expected 60-day decision period.
“Today is the sixtieth day since premium processing began. I have always maintained lawful status in America, and my petition conforms to every prerequisite,” she explained.
She also detailed system errors in the USCIS portal, including unapproved withdrawals and new evidence requests following reopening of her file.
“All the documentation required for my approval is already on file,” Guledani emphasized.
USCIS, Dr. Guledani noted, confirmed an internal mistake in the handling of her application. In spite of this, they sent another evidence request, which, she believes, exposes flaws in the agency’s process.
Distinguished Professional and Civic Record
Dr. Guledani boasts a career focused on education, peacebuilding, and civic leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in International Business and taught for over 15 years in university settings. In Georgia, she served as Minister for Conflict Issues and was a special adviser in Parliament. She also took part in the Open World Program to enhance international leadership.
After arriving in New York, she taught business classes at Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and microeconomics at College of Staten Island, and participated in the Women and Minority Entrepreneurs Committee, while establishing Guledani Insight Partners for business coaching.
Outside her main work, Dr. Guledani helped with local elections, offered assistance to immigrant women through the New York Women’s Club, and worked with groups like the Georgian-American Republican Alliance and Georgian-American Business Association.
“As a human rights advocate from the occupied regions of Georgia and a single mother to three, I trust USCIS will amend their error and approve my green card as required by law,” she concluded.
Seeking Broader Immigration Reforms
Her experience, Guledani claims, reflects a broader frustration among skilled immigrants helping to improve American life, yet dealing with red tape and inefficiencies.
“My focus is to continue advancing the United States through education, business initiatives, and supporting communities. My dedication affirms the core principles of this country,” she continued.
Her concluding message for USCIS and lawmakers is a call to uphold just and timely review of immigration applications, to foster America’s enduring spirit of justice and inclusion.
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