Dear Mr. President, Members of Congress, U.S. Senators, and Secretary of Defense,

My name is Bekzad Dzhanpolatov, and I speak on behalf of countless highly skilled immigrants who deeply believe in the American Dream and seek to serve this country with loyalty, dedication, and courage.

One of the most meaningful ways we can contribute is through military service, and in particular, through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program — a visionary pathway that allowed qualified non-citizens with critical language and medical skills to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and earn citizenship through service.

Established in 2009, MAVNI proved to be a powerful force multiplier:

Over 10,000 immigrants enlisted through the program;
They brought expertise in over 44 critical languages;
MAVNI recruits consistently ranked in the top 10% for quality and had lower attrition rates than many native-born enlistees.

Why revive MAVNI now?

1. Strategic Need: The U.S. faces evolving global threats. To remain a leading force, we must integrate the best minds and most diverse skill sets into our military.

2. Diversity & Unity: Immigrant service members reflect the very fabric of America and offer a global perspective on defense and diplomacy.
3. Commitment & Loyalty: MAVNI members are deeply committed. Their service is proof of their desire to contribute, integrate, and defend the country they now call home.

We respectfully urge you to:

Re-evaluate the concerns that led to MAVNI’s discontinuation in 2017;
Recognize the unique and irreplaceable contributions of skilled immigrants;
Reinstate MAVNI — with necessary reforms to ensure security, transparency, and effectiveness.

Restoring MAVNI means investing in the future — a future that includes people like me, ready to serve, ready to protect, and ready to become fully American through action.

Sincerely,
Bekzad Dzhanpolatov

Date of Birth: June 25, 1999