The New York Times is reporting that the Pentagon recently reopened the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) that allows foreign nationals in the United States on temporary visas to enter the military if they possess a skill that is in high demand within the military. Currently, these highly demanded skills are in specialized languages (think exotic) and as surgeons, dentists, and mental health experts.
The MAVNI program was originally opened in 2009 – but lasted for only one year. A major reason for the return of the program is the outstanding candidates that the original program brought into the military. In almost every category, MAVNI applicants have excelled compared to other enlistees.
The MAVNI has major incentives for applicants. Front and center, MAVNI enlistees can become naturalized citizens within a matter of a few months after beginning their military service. This is in sharp contrast to the normally long, drawn out process.