Subject: 129th Rescue Wing & Ebola Response
From: "Steve Birnbaum" <[email-masked]>
To: "Hunter Biden" <[email-masked]>
Cc: <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:58:01 -0600

Hunter,

I hope that all is well.  I was initially trying to reach you regarding ICT-related efforts in West Africa, but I have really hit a roadblock with my joining the 129th Rescue Wing that I am hoping you can help with.

I've already been medically cleared by MEPS and I've completed the ASVAB, so the contract is the only remaining step.

The PJ Squadron wants me to come in and take a comms position in order to support their current systems and to help them move to next-gen technologies.  Due to the nature of the work, citizenship is a pre-requisite for that job.  Under normal immigration regulations, I'm not eligible for citizenship for another 2.5 years.  The Immigration Act allows for expedited naturalization after completion of Basic, but only after completion.  I've checked, and there is no way around that.

Military regulations require that I be eligible for the job I'm enlisting for at the time of enlistment.  Therefore, I cannot sign a contract for the job they want me to have (or anything close to it).  This is somewhat of a chicken & egg problem.  The only option to enlist me right now is to put me into a logistics support squadron, and then hope they can contractually permit me to change jobs as soon as I obtain citizenship, but it is not looking likely since regulations normally require 3 years before such a change can be made.

The only way I could obtain citizenship before enlistment is through a little-used clause of the Immigration Act that allows immediate citizenship to be granted to an individual based on contributions to national security.  The Attorney General, DNI and Commissioner of Immigration must all sign off on it (see attachment).  This may be the only way for me to move forward in serving in the 129th Rescue Wing.  Especially in light of the objective, I am hoping that my various past contributions to FEMA, DHS, State and others might be deemed such a contribution.

I hate asking for a personal favor, but since you had expressed support for my doing this, do you think there might be some way you can help?

On the original topic, the NGO NetHope brought me on board as a consultant through next month to support their Ebola response.  They've done a lot of work supporting both their members and the broader Emergency Telecom Cluster (led by WFP) in providing data connectivity solutions.  They're currently working with the NTIA (re-purposing BTOP-funded equipment no longer needed) and local governments to look at longer-term solutions that will leave the region with better wireless infrastructure than it had when this started.  This lines up solidly with Megan Smith's stated goals for the region.  However, finding adequate funding either inside or outside of government for the project is proving to be somewhat of a challenge.  Any time you might have to be involved would be very helpful.

Thank you,

Steve