US National Strategic Priority Fields Research Report – June 2025 Edition

Executive Summary

This month’s major developments in U.S. national strategic priority fields centered on advanced microelectronics, clean energy supply chains, and AI applications in healthcare. The CHIPS Act’s implementation accelerated with new funding conditions focusing on sustainability, as the Commerce Department now requires chipmakers to submit environmental responsibility plans when seeking CHIPS subsidies. In clean energy, the Biden/Trump administration (2025) continued to bolster domestic supply chains for critical minerals, adding two major lithium refining projects with $375 million in funding to reduce reliance on imports. In the healthcare sector, medical AI gained further prominence – the FDA approved numerous AI-driven medical devices and even began deploying AI tools internally to speed up drug and device reviews.

These areas present significant NIW (National Interest Waiver) opportunities for international talent, especially in 2 nm semiconductor design, battery materials engineering, and medical AI algorithm development.

This report provides immigration attorneys with detailed insights and NIW application guidance, including up-to-date national interest argument templates, citations of new policies, and best practices for organizing evidence. By leveraging the latest government statements and data – from Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s CHIPS Act testimony to Department of Energy critical minerals initiatives – attorneys can craft stronger NIW petitions that align with U.S. national priorities.

1. Overview of National Strategic Priority Fields

The U.S. federal government is currently prioritizing six major strategic technology fields to maintain national security and economic competitiveness. The table below summarizes these fields, their national importance, key supporting agencies, and the level of talent demand.

Strategic Field	National Importance Rating	Major Supporting Agencies	Talent Demand Level
Semiconductors & Microelectronics	★★★★★ (Highest)	Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Defense	Very High
Clean Energy Technologies	★★★★★ (Highest)	Dept. of Energy, EPA	Very High
Biotechnology & Medical Innovation	★★★★☆ (High)	NIH, HHS	High
Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Computing	★★★★★ (Highest)	NSF, NIST	Very High
Advanced Manufacturing	★★★★☆ (High)	Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Energy	High
Space Technology	★★★☆☆ (Medium-High)	NASA, Dept. of Defense	Medium-High

Rating criteria include: level of federal funding, legislative focus, public statements by top officials, and direct impact on economic and national security.

Key Developments This Month (June 2025)

This month, semiconductors, clean energy, and medical AI saw especially significant policy activity and funding support:

Semiconductors

The Commerce Department’s CHIPS Program continued to award major subsidies for domestic semiconductor fabs, bringing total allocated grants to tens of billions of dollars across projects in multiple states. On June 30, a Senate oversight hearing highlighted environmental accountability in chipmaking – Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo confirmed that companies applying for CHIPS Act funds must now provide comprehensive climate and sustainability plans. Raimondo reiterated that maintaining U.S. leadership in cutting-edge chip manufacturing is vital to economic growth and national security.

Clean Energy Supply Chain

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced a new $2.8 billion round of clean energy investments in May and followed in June with $375 million for two large lithium processing facilities, aiming to domesticate the electric vehicle battery supply chain. The White House’s “Offshore Critical Minerals” executive order mandated federal agencies to expedite seabed mining projects, with agencies delivering implementation plans by June 23 to unlock U.S. offshore mineral resources.

Medical AI

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 35+ AI-powered medical devices so far in 2025 (about 70% more than this time last year), including AI diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s, cardiac risk, and radiology. In June, FDA leadership rolled out an agency-wide AI initiative to accelerate regulatory reviews – targeting full integration of generative AI in drug and device approval processes by June 30.

2. In-Depth Analysis of Key Subsectors

2.1 Advanced Microelectronics

Strategic Importance: Advanced microelectronics (especially semiconductors) are explicitly recognized by the U.S. government as a cornerstone of national security and economic strength. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has emphasized, “The CHIPS for America program will supercharge American technology and innovation and make our country more secure.”

Development Status: The U.S. semiconductor industry is undergoing a major expansion and transformation due to the CHIPS and Science Act. The federal government has appropriated $39 billion for domestic semiconductor manufacturing incentives, alongside R&D funding. Dozens of new fabrication plant projects are underway or planned in states like Arizona, Ohio, New York, Texas, and Oregon.

In June, the Commerce Department finalized additional CHIPS funding awards and introduced new guidelines linking federal subsidies to environmental sustainability. Companies applying for CHIPS grants must now submit climate impact and sustainability plans, a response to concerns about the high water and energy usage of advanced fabs.

Key Subsector Focus:

Leading-Edge Logic Chips: Developing <3 nm and future 2 nm node semiconductor technology
Specialized AI Processors: Designing chips optimized for artificial intelligence workloads
Secure & Resilient Microelectronics: Creating processors with built-in hardware security

Talent Gap: The semiconductor sector faces a severe talent shortage as it scales up new fabs and design centers. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) projects a shortfall of about 67,000 semiconductor workers in the U.S. by 2030 under current graduation rates. International talent is widely recognized as vital to filling the immediate talent gap.

2.2 Clean Energy Supply Chain

Strategic Importance: Securing a strong clean energy supply chain has become central to U.S. energy independence, climate goals, and economic strategy. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm testified to Congress that “establishing a robust clean energy supply chain is not only necessary to combat climate change, it’s also key to ensuring American energy security and creating high-paying jobs.”

Development Status: Through landmark legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. government is investing at unprecedented scale in clean energy technology and manufacturing. Federal funding for clean energy projects hit an all-time high in the past year, with over $110 billion committed across renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear, and related areas.

In June 2025, efforts particularly focused on the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and critical minerals: the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains announced $375 million for new lithium refining and processing plants in North Carolina and Arkansas.

Key Subsector Focus:

EV Battery Materials & Components: Scaling domestic capacity for lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite processing
Long-Duration Energy Storage: Developing advanced energy storage technologies beyond lithium-ion
Hydrogen and Sustainable Fuels: Building infrastructure for a hydrogen economy
Grid Modernization: Upgrading the electric grid to handle renewable energy

Talent Gap: The clean energy sector is poised for explosive growth. DOE’s latest “Clean Energy Workforce Report” (May 2025) estimates the U.S. will need over 300,000 additional workers in clean energy fields over the next five years. International talent is critically important in this sector as well.

2.3 Medical Artificial Intelligence

Strategic Importance: “AI-driven medical innovation is a key to ensuring the sustainability of the U.S. healthcare system and maintaining our global leadership in health,” according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2025 roadmap. Medical AI has been elevated to a strategic priority by U.S. health authorities because of its potential to greatly improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and modernize healthcare infrastructure.

Development Status: The medical AI field in the U.S. has advanced rapidly in both regulatory acceptance and R&D investment. The FDA has been at the forefront globally in approving AI-based medical devices and software. As of mid-2025, FDA has authorized over 1,000 AI-enabled medical devices in total.

Importantly, the FDA is also adopting AI internally. In June, FDA Commissioner Dr. Mark Makary announced the agency had completed its first AI-assisted new drug application review and is rolling out secure generative AI systems across all review divisions.

Key Subsector Focus:

Diagnostic AI: AI algorithms for medical imaging and early disease detection
AI in Drug Discovery and Development: Using AI models to identify new drug candidates
Healthcare Operations & Delivery AI: Implementing AI to streamline healthcare administration
Cross-Disciplinary AI in Health: Integrating AI with genomics, wearable sensor data, and population health

Talent Gap: The medical AI field requires a unique blend of expertise in computer science/AI as well as medicine and biology. The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) estimates a current shortfall of around 25,000 professionals in the U.S. with the requisite skills in AI development, biomedical data science, and clinical AI implementation.

3. Policy Tracker

The table below summarizes notable policies, laws, and regulatory updates in June 2025 across the national priority fields:

Date	Policy/Action	Issuing Body	Affected Strategic Field	Key Content/Significance
2025/6/30	CHIPS Act Sustainability Requirements (Oversight Hearing)	Dept. of Commerce / U.S. Senate	Advanced Microelectronics	Commerce Secretary Raimondo announced that companies applying for CHIPS Act funding must submit climate and environmental responsibility plans, ensuring $50B in chip subsidies align with sustainability goals.
2025/6/23	Offshore Critical Minerals Initiative (EO Implementation)	White House	Clean Energy Supply Chain	Federal agencies executed a Trump Administration Executive Order on Unleashing Offshore Critical Minerals, expediting deep-sea mining and exploration for seabed minerals.
2025/6/11	FDA “AI Reviews” Initiative	Food & Drug Administration (FDA)	Medical AI / Healthcare	The FDA accelerated its agency-wide deployment of AI in regulatory processes. FDA Commissioner outlined an “aggressive timeline” for full integration of generative AI tools in drug and device review by June 30.
2025/6/24	Advanced Manufacturing Strategy RFI	White House OSTP	Advanced Manufacturing (incl. Biotech)	The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a Request for Information to shape the next National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing (2025–2030).
2025/6/20	NSF Quantum Research Centers – Funding Call	National Science Foundation	AI & Quantum Computing	NSF announced a new funding call ($60M) for quantum research and innovation centers, focusing on quantum computing, networking, and materials, emphasizing workforce training and partnerships.

4. NIW Applicant Perspective Analysis

From this month’s developments, certain subfields stand out as particularly favorable for NIW (National Interest Waiver) petitions due to their clear alignment with U.S. national interests.

Top NIW-Friendly Fields – June 2025

1. Advanced Microelectronics (Semiconductor Technology)

Recommended Background/Expertise: Semiconductor device engineering, nanofabrication, chip design (especially experience with sub-5nm nodes or advanced packaging), or semiconductor manufacturing process optimization.

National Interest Points: Emphasize how the applicant’s work contributes to U.S. semiconductor self-sufficiency and leadership. Expertise in 2nm chip design or EUV lithography directly supports the goals of the CHIPS Act to establish leading-edge fabs domestically.

Suggested Supporting Evidence:

Reference the CHIPS and Science Act and its objectives
Include recent Commerce Department statements
Use data from SIA showing the talent shortfall
Provide evidence of patents, publications, or industry awards

2. Battery Materials Science & Engineering (EV Battery Supply Chain)

Recommended Background/Expertise: Electrochemistry or materials engineering related to lithium-ion or next-generation batteries, chemical engineering for battery manufacturing, recycling technology for batteries, or expertise in critical minerals processing.

National Interest Points: Focus on how the applicant’s work reduces U.S. dependence on foreign battery materials or improves energy storage technology, thereby furthering American energy security and climate goals.

Suggested Supporting Evidence:

Cite the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) or other relevant laws
Reference Department of Energy reports or statements
Quote Energy Secretary Granholm’s testimony
Mention the White House’s Critical Minerals strategy

3. Medical AI Algorithm Development

Recommended Background/Expertise: Artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to healthcare – e.g., developing diagnostic AI tools, healthcare data analytics, biomedical informatics, or AI in drug discovery.

National Interest Points: Illustrate how the applicant’s AI work addresses pressing U.S. healthcare challenges and improves public health outcomes or efficiency. Connect their work to HHS’s strategic emphasis on AI.

Suggested Supporting Evidence:

Quote the HHS Innovation Roadmap
Reference FDA approvals of AI devices
Use data on healthcare outcomes
Include support letters from hospitals or medical experts

Application Strategy Tips

When preparing NIW petitions in these fields, it’s crucial to directly tie the applicant’s work to explicit national policies and needs. Use recent policy developments to make the connection crystal clear. Where possible, quantify the impact and frame the narrative that retaining the applicant in the U.S. will bring tangible benefits to the country.

5. NIW Attorney Application Guide

5.1 “National Interest” Argument Templates

Semiconductor Industry – Example NIW Argument

“The Beneficiary’s work in [specific semiconductor technology] directly advances U.S. national security and economic competitiveness in the critical field of advanced microelectronics. The U.S. government has identified leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing as a national priority. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated on 2025/06/30 that maintaining America’s edge in chip production is “directly related to our economic security and defense capability.”
The Beneficiary’s innovations in [e.g. 2nm chip architecture or chip fabrication process] contribute to this objective by [explain how their work improves or enables domestic chip capacity]. This aligns with the CHIPS and Science Act’s mandate to expand the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. The Beneficiary’s expertise addresses a well-documented national talent gap – the Semiconductor Industry Association reports an estimated 67,000-worker shortfall in the U.S. semiconductor workforce by 2030.”

Clean Energy Sector – Example NIW Argument

“The Beneficiary’s specialized work in [specific clean energy technology] is directly aligned with U.S. national strategic objectives in achieving energy independence and climate security. In a congressional hearing on 2025/05/12, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm stressed that “building a strong clean energy supply chain is…ensuring American energy security and creating high-paying jobs.”
The Beneficiary’s research on [e.g. high-capacity battery anodes or efficient lithium extraction] addresses this very goal by [explain how their work reduces reliance on imports or improves clean energy tech]. The Department of Energy announced a $375 million investment on 2025/06/03 to expand U.S. lithium processing.
The Beneficiary’s expertise in lithium extraction and battery chemistry directly serves these initiatives.”

5.2 Government Policy Citation Guide

Policy Type	Citation Format (in text)	Where to Find	Usage Tips
Federal Laws	“[Full Name of Act] (Public Law [number], Section [X])”	Congress.gov or official statute texts	Cite specific sections relevant to the field
Executive Orders	“Executive Order #####: [Title] (Date)”	Federal Register or WhiteHouse.gov	Reference EOs when applicable
Agency Strategy Documents	“[Title of Strategy] (Department, Date), p. X”	Agency official website	Quote or paraphrase key lines that mention the field’s importance
Official Speeches/Statements	“[Name], [Position] (Date, Venue)”	Agency press releases, transcripts	Use high-profile quotes from Cabinet Secretaries or Agency heads

5.3 Evidence Document Organization

Organize the NIW petition evidence packet in the following order:

Primary Policy Documents: Recent laws or executive orders that form the backbone of your argument
Direct Supporting Materials: Departmental strategy reports and key official statements
Data and Statistics: Industry reports or data on talent shortages, economic impact, etc.
Client’s Achievements – Framed by Impact: Organize to mirror the narrative
Supplemental/Media: Credible news articles or expert op-eds that echo the importance

5.4 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to handle an applicant whose work spans multiple national priority areas?

A: Structure the petition to emphasize the primary field of national importance that best fits the applicant, but mention the cross-field benefits as a “bonus.” Focus about 75% on the main field argument, with a paragraph noting cross-disciplinary impact.

Q: If an applicant has a limited publication/patent record, how can we still demonstrate national importance?

A: Shift emphasis to alignment with national needs rather than quantitative metrics. Use precise, quality-focused wording and highlight other evidence of impact. Include strong recommendation letters from authoritative figures.

Q: Are there any patterns in NIW approvals recently regarding national interest arguments?

A: NIW cases that explicitly link to national security, supply chain resilience, or technological leadership tend to fare very well. Cases referencing the CHIPS Act or critical supply chains have seen high approval rates.

5.5 Attorney Action Items for June 2025

Update Argument Templates: Incorporate the latest facts and quotes from this report
Identify Eligible Clients: Review your roster for clients in highlighted fields
Gather New Evidence Proactively: Download and archive key source documents
Strategic Recommenders Selection: Choose recommenders with credibility in the national strategy context

6. Appendix: Data Sources and Citations

Key Sources

U.S. Department of Energy. (2025, June 3). Press Release: ICYMI – DOE Lithium Processing Projects Added to Permitting Dashboard. Retrieved from energy.gov
White & Case LLP. (2025, April 28). “New Executive Order Seeks to Increase American Extraction of Minerals through Deep Sea Mining.”
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation. (2025, June 30). CHIPS and Science Act Implementation Hearing – Testimony from Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo
Hogan Lovells. (2025, May). “FDA advances AI-powered review of medical product applications.”
Innovation News Network. (2024, September 23). “US battery manufacturing boosted with $3bn DOE funding.”
Tom’s Hardware – Anton Shilov. (2025, June 26). “Semiconductor industry faces critical talent crisis — one million additional skilled workers needed by 2030.”
American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA). (2025, March). Workforce Analysis Report.
U.S. Department of Commerce – NIST. (2025, Jan 16). “CHIPS for America Awards $1.4B for Advanced Packaging”
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). (2025, June 24). Federal Register Notice: National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing – RFI.

Additional Resources

Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). (2024, April). “Chipping Away: Workforce Gap in U.S. Semiconductor Industry.”
American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA). (2025). “Healthcare AI Talent Shortage”