DottedEyes

This not necessarily an immigration question, but since many of you may have dual citizenship I thought you might be able to answer this...

In your epxerience, is it possible for a dual citizen to obtain security clearance? I have scoured the web and found conflicting information, but in general it seems highly, highly unlikely (even when the other nationality is "friendly"). I am also aware that the only way to really know for certain is to request it and see.

But just out of curiosity, do any of you work in fields where this is a requirement and did you have problems? (Keep in mind, pre-2001 things were quite a bit different in terms of approvals.)

Thanks in advance.

Marocco

What kind of security clearance?

DottedEyes

Top Secret (for example).

Marocco

It depends on the type of clearance. I know someone who works for the US government who had to undergo a "security clearance" (not a secret clearance) and they obtained it in spite of having a foreign passport. For a higher level clearance (e.g. secret clearance), my understanding is that it depends on whether the foreign citizenship is "exercised" or not, e.g. by holding a foreign passport. See here.

dreamercon

It also depends on whether the person is willing to give up the foreign citizenship. British citizenship can be regained after renouncing it - so renunciation is not irrevocable.
Also, some countries won't allow you to renounce citizenship (eg New Zealand) - and an argument can be made that one should not be penalized for having another state consider him a citizen against his will. Another issue is whether the US citizen has taken of oath of naturalization after becoming a US citizen.

Other countries are more lenient towards those with dual citizenship. The prime minister of greece for example is a US citizen and this issue was never even brought up.

DottedEyes

Thanks for the feedback. It is just such a strange predicament to be in. Certain organizations won't even consider employment unless you are a second generation US citizen! (So my kids wouldn't be able to work for these places... so odd. But then, they cannot be president either. However, Governor of California would be fine.)

These companes feel the pain too. As long ago as 2005 the biggies lobbied Congress to change the restrictions because they are in need of people, and there is just a complete lack of US-born/bred students/professionals graduating in these fields.

It's a shame. But I do understand the difficulties.

Marocco

According to the link I have posted, renunciation of foreign citizenship does not appear to be necessary. What seems to be needed, according to the guidelines, is the surrender of all foreign passports (see here).

dreamercon

I recently got the application materials for a specialty position within the FBI and willingness to renounce any foreign citizenship is listed as a requirement to apply for the position.

Marocco

That may well be the case, however the original question referred to obtaining security/secret clearance. There may be other requirements in addition to clearance which are specific to the organisation. Here in the UK, GCHQ also asks successful applicants who are dual citizens to renounce their non-British nationality.

JAJ

Reality is that these situations are handled case by case. If you are willing to surrender your foreign passport (as opposed to your citizenship) that might help. In fact, it might help if you did this before seeking a security clearance.

At least for the UK, returning your passport with a polite note does not constitute renunciation of citizenship.

At the other extreme, you could formally renounce your citizenship and still be denied clearance, due to foreign ties, family, prior residence, etc.

If you think you might need a security clearance in future, it would probably help to allow your foreign passports to expire, not renew them (unless under some mandate from country of origin), and only use a US passport.

penguinsix

We've had several threads on security clearances:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ight=clearance
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ight=clearance
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ight=clearance
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ight=clearance

While it is possible, it is also highly unlikely. I think it is very case-by-case basis, but in most cases "no you can't have a clearance".

Another way to put it is "if you have to ask, you aren't going to get it". While that's slightly cheeky what I mean by that is if the reasons you are getting a clearance for a job is because of what you know (i.e. you went to school with some tribal Afghan guy, or you were SAS and speak the language of some tribe where Osama is hiding) then you might have a better chance that say "I was looking through the want ads for a computer scientist with a security clearance. I'm a computer scientist."

Basically they are few and far between even if you are coming from the security world (military, defense contractor, etc).

Michael

The following is from an ad by Sandia National Labs which normally requires a Q clearance (same as top secret).

Sandia National Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. If this position requires a security clearance granted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. citizenship and employee eligibility for clearance processing will be required at the time of hire. If you hold dual citizenship and accept a job offer for a position that requires a DOE-granted security clearance, you may be asked by DOE to renounce your foreign citizenship and retain only your U.S. citizenship.

benblaney

This is extremely inaccurate advice.

benblaney

Yes it is, entirely possible. In fact, clause 2-212 of the NISPOM allows for clearances up to Secret to be granted to non-U.S. citizens.

People will tell you some old guff about "renouncing" prior citizenships. Don't worry about it.

If you want more information, PM me.

TimFountain

As I'm sure you know, DOD and DOE clearances are totally independent of each other. I am looking into this exact issue right now.

- Tim

OP - is it DOD or DOE and TS, TS/SCI or lifestyle/poly that you are going for, just out of interest?