Dear Marco Rubio, Lisa Murkowski, Jeanne Shaheen, Lindsey Graham, Hakeem Jeffries, President Donald Trump, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Senate!

My name is Mujtaba Akbari, and I wanted to share my petition with you personally. This issue matters deeply to me and to many others in our community: Fulfill promises to Afghan SIV applicants urgently.

So far, supporters have begun signing in solidarity. You can read the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/fulfill-promises-to-afghan-siv-applicants-urgently?utm_source=starter_emails_dm

This is an important moment to demonstrate engagement with issues affecting your constituents and our allies. Could you kindly share any updates with the community—such as actions already underway, clarity around decision‑making, or ways we can collaborate to address these concerns?

Even a brief response would mean a great deal and help me keep supporters informed.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

NOTE: PERSONAL STORY -

I have traveled to Pakistan twice for my SIV process, each time facing enormous stress and hardship. My first stay lasted nearly fifteen months, filled with uncertainty and financial strain. I returned on October 27, 2025, for my second attempt, and my SIV interview was scheduled for November 10, 2025. Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred that injured and killed a U.S. National Guard member, and since then, visa issuance has been completely halted.

This situation has left us in deep distress. Our children have been separated from their schools, we are unable to work, and our lives have been reduced to mere survival — just breathing and waiting. The constant anxiety and despair have taken a heavy toll on our families. We urgently need the U.S. Government to resume SIV processing and honor its promise to those who stood beside American forces.

Warm regards, 
Mujtaba Akbari
Afghan SIV Principal Applicant