Hi, I’m Nima,
In 2019, I came to the U.S. from Iran on a student visa to pursue my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, as the first in my immediate family to do so. Like many others, I sought freedom, education, and a future built on opportunity; even though it meant years of separation from my loved ones.
In 2023, I earned my Ph.D. from Arizona State University, where I conducted advanced research at the intersection of electrical engineering, machine learning, and data science. My work contributed to major national initiatives focused on improving power grid security and reliability, and was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Power Systems Engineering Research Center. Based on these achievements, I was granted a U.S. National Interest Waiver (NIW), recognizing that my work benefits the country.
I was just one step from permanent residency: filing Form I-485 to adjust my status and continue building my life and career in the U.S.
What Happened
In 2025, I went through a severe mental health crisis, triggered by a combination of professional stress and fear for my family’s safety during the Iran-Israel conflict. When missiles landed near their home in Tehran, the emotional impact was overwhelming. I was hospitalized for five days to stabilize and begin recovery.
At the time, I had recently started working as a Power System Engineer at Electric Power Group in Pasadena, where I was developing ML-based tools for forecasting inertia and system strength. However, due to my health crisis, I had to leave the position, resulting in the sudden loss of income while still facing $2,695/month rent and mounting expenses.
Under the STEM OPT extension, U.S. immigration rules limit me to 150 days of unemployment. My recovery period has pushed me dangerously close to that limit, threatening my legal status before I can submit my green card application.
Why I Need Help
This is the most difficult chapter of my life. I’ve spent years building a career dedicated to public benefit, and I’m committed to moving forward with responsibility and resolve, but I can’t do it alone.
Your support will help cover the following:
• $5,400 - Rent for 2 months ($2,695/month)
• $1,200 - Food and essential living expenses
• $1,440 - USCIS I-485 filing fee and required materials
• $2,500 - Legal assistance for green card filing
• $7,000 - Legal and administrative support to resolve status and employment matters
Total Goal: $17,540 (rounded to $18,000)
Why This Matters
My work focuses on developing tools that can help improve the stability and reliability of power systems in the U.S. I’ve built models to detect grid instability, forecast system strength, and support real-time decision-making.
Beyond the work, this is about preserving the life I’ve built in the U.S.; a journey of learning, contribution, and service. Your support will help me regain stability, protect my immigration status, and continue giving back through research, engineering, and innovation.
Even the smallest donation makes a difference. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing my story.
With sincere gratitude,
Nima