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Steve B is looking for a favor/help with immigration for himself. I don't
know if you want or have had a chance to respond.


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Steve Birnbaum <steve@resudox.net>
Date: Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 6:58 PM
Subject: 129th Rescue Wing & Ebola Response
To: Hunter Biden <hbiden@rosemontseneca.com>
Cc: "kdodge@rosemontseneca.com" <kdodge@rosemontseneca.com>


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


--
*Katie Dodge*
Executive Assistant/ Office Manager
*Rosemont Seneca Partners*
*1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #705*
*Washington, DC 20007*
*202-333-1880