yensidtlaw2

Hey everyone. I haven't been here in a long time but used to post while going through the K1 process. I thought someone might be able to help me identify my citizenship status.

I became a US citizen last year through naturalization. I am currently in the process of interviewing for a job where I will need a TS secret security clearance. The potential employer has asked me if I am a dual citizen or only American. I said I would have to check up on it. I'm not entirely sure which I fall under.

No where in my citizenship process did I check any boxes for dual citizenship and I remember swearing the full oath in the courtroom. However, I don't think I gave up my British citizenship.

Thanks in advance for your help.

scrubbedexpat099

Dual

RICH

Lawyer.

Guindalf

You are a dual citizen unless you actually renounce your British citizenship at the embassy. If you are told you must renounce, I would seriously think about the implications of giving up the British side, but, of course, it's up to you.

Personally, I wouldn't give up mine. In fact, I wasn't going to naturalize because I thought I'd lose it and it was only when I looked into it and found I could be dual, I went ahead.

BritInParis

You’re a dual citizen unless you go through a formal (and expensive) renunciation process with the Home Office. I’m not an expert by any means but having read about similar cases on this forum over the years you may still be able to obtain clearance if you were willing to surrender your British passport, which is a minor inconvenience compared to giving up your citizenship. The latter, frankly, just isn’t worth it if you have even the slightest intention of returning home one day to live or wish to pass on your citizenship to any future children.

civilservant

If should be noted that remaining a British Citizen will likely cause issues with obtaining a TS clearance, since you have loyalty to another country (even though they are an ally) - you might to be forced to renounce.

neill

From what I understand U.S. TS will be very hard as a Dual, and even renouncing other citizenships doesn't necessarily help. Actions taken since acquiring U.S. citizenship will weigh heavily. For example, when you travel, do you exercise use of your foreign passport or US passport? Have you renewed your foreign passport since acquiring US citizenship? things like that.

WorriedMary

RICH

How do you know his clearance?

civilservant

It's more likely that he was eligible to file after 3 years as he was married to the same US Citizen spouse (ie you) His applying for a clearance is not a reason to be eligible earlier according to the law.