| Foreign Influence and Security Clearances |
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William Henderson for ClearanceJobs.com - September 5, 2010 |
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AFFECTED PERSONS
The “Foreign Influence” criterion under the “Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information” affects many security clearance applicants, particularly those who are naturalized U.S. citizens or whose parents immigrated to the U.S. Others who marry (or reside with) a foreign national, who have foreign financial/business interests, or who maintain close and continuing contact with foreigners are also affected. There are two other related criteria—Foreign Preference and Outside Activities—that sometimes affect these same applicants.*
SECURITY CONCERN
Foreign Influence has been a significant concern when considering people for security clearances. This has been due in part to changes in motivation of those who have chosen to spy against the U.S. A government study issued in March 2008 reported that since 1990 offenders who are naturalized citizens rose to 35%, those with relatives or close friends overseas increased to 58%, and those with foreign business or professional connections increased to 50%.
The Adjudicative Guidelines specify that “foreign contacts and interests may be a security concern if the individual has divided loyalties or foreign financial interests; may be manipulated or induced to help a foreign person, group, organization, or government in a way that is not in U.S. interests; or is vulnerable to pressure or coercion by any foreign interest.” The Adjudicative Guidelines further specify that “Adjudication . . . should consider the identity of the foreign country in which the foreign contact or financial interest is located, including but not limited to, such considerations as whether the foreign country is known to target United States citizens to obtain protected information and/or is associated with a risk of terrorism.” However the location of a person’s contacts or interest is not by itself a disqualifying condition.
EVALUATING FOREIGN INFLUENCE
The location, relationship, occupation, activities, and interests of the foreign person, as well as the recency, frequency and nature of the contact are all relevant. The security significance of these foreign contacts can be measure by the extent to which an applicant:
• Maintains contact with foreign friends, family members, or professional associates.
• Provides or receives material support to/from contacts outside the U.S.
• Returns to native country.
• Maintains property or financial interests (including inheritance rights) outside the U.S.
• Fails to report association with foreigners when required.
Foreign connections that “create a potential conflict of interest between the individual’s obligation to protect sensitive information and the individual’s desire to help a foreign person, group, government, or country by providing that information” are security concerns. Absent a potential for a conflict of interest, foreign connections must present a “heightened” risk of foreign influence to be a security concern. A heightened risk can be created either by the nature of the foreign contact and/or by the applicant’s perceived ability to resist foreign influence. In assessing an applicant’s ability to resist foreign influence adjudicators may consider the degree to which an applicant has assimilated American culture and displayed undivided loyalty to the United States by:
• Applying for U.S. citizenship as soon as they are eligible.
• Expressing their intention to live permanently in the U.S. even after retirement.
• Observing American holidays.
• Participating in local non-ethnic social, community, political, or charitable groups.
• Socializing with people outside their ethnic group.
Additionally, circumstances or behavior that could attract the attention of foreign intelligence are also potentially disqualifying factors.
INTERIM CLEARANCES
Interim clearances are problematic when any security issue exists. The existence of current foreign connections can create a presumption of foreign influence. Often this issue can be mitigated by the information collected during a security clearance investigation. But interim clearances require issue mitigation before the investigation is completed. The Questionnaire for National Security Positions (Standard Form 86 --SF86) asks about foreign activities, associates, financial interests, and travel. But the SF86 does not ask for information that might mitigate indicators of foreign influence. Applicants are allowed to include any mitigating information in their SF86 (or its electronic equivalent, known as eQIP) by using the “Continuation Space” at the end of the paper version or by using the “Comment Section” following each question on the eQIP version. Including mitigating information in this manner is often a determining factor in the granting of an interim clearance.
INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY SECURITY CLEARANCES
For first- and second-generation immigrants, employment with the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) is often out of reach. This is because the disqualifying condition created by the existence of non-U.S. citizen immediate family members can not be mitigated for access eligibility to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) as it can for collateral clearances. And SCI access eligibility is almost always a requirement for IC employment. This obstacle can only be overcome with a “waiver” from a Senior Official of the Intelligence Community. This risk avoidance policy within the IC may soon change due to the critical need for people with special knowledge of foreign languages and cultures. For more than a year the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) has repeatedly stressed the need to break down the IC security clearance and employment barriers for first- and second-generation immigrants. In testimony before congress on security clearance reform in February 2008 the Assistant Deputy DNI for Security stated:
“Additionally modifications to IC hiring policies are being made to allow for the hiring of first and second generation, or heritage, American candidates. . . . We fully expect the near-term outcome of this DNI-level policy change to result in more applications from heritage Americans and ultimately a more robust mission capability within the IC.”
The DNI has had the authority to change policy for SCI access throughout the IC. But institutional changes take time and are not often attainable by fiat alone. Recently Executive Order 13467, as part of a major clearance reform effort, expanded the DNI’s authority to change the standards for all federal security clearances. This reform effort may provide the impetus needed to change the security standards for foreign influence.
*This article does not cover the “Foreign Preference” and “Outside Activities” criteria in the Adjudicative Guidelines.
Copyright © 2008 Last Post Publishing. All rights reserved. William H. Henderson is a retired security investigator, author of Security Clearance Manual, and regular contributor to ClearanceJobsBlog.com and ClearanceJobs.com. |
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I work for a gov contractor and I have a TS clearance. What are the chances of loosing my clearance if I marry a foreign national from Colombia? I met her here in the US and I have only been to Colombia once in 12 years. I was born in Colombia but already renounced to my foreign citizenship and do not communicate with anyone in colombia. She came 2 yrs ago, does not plan to go back, her parents don’t work for a foreign government (brother is a cop in colombia), she is enrolled in school here in the US and has never gotten in trouble and plans to become a US resident and citizen afterwards if possible. If I decide to marry her, do I report it to DISCO immediately or wait until my periodic reinvestigation in late 2013? I would like to know if there is a high risk since she is from Colombia. Please help |
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JR (va) on February 4, 2012 at 9:53am
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Aspiring Diplomatic Intern (Florida):
The phrase “bound by affection, influence, common interests, and/or obligation” is confusing to everyone who has foreign national friends, relatives or associates. The phrase defies definition. I recommend that applicants do not list anyone at Section 19 of the SF86, unless they (or their spouse) have a strong relationship with a foreign national—a relationship where they would be willing make a meaningful sacrifice in order to help that person. All Top Secret clearance investigations include an interview of the applicant by an investigator. During that interview questions are asked about foreign contacts who are not listed at Section 19. That would be the time to mention your foreign friends. |
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William Henderson on January 30, 2012 at 7:59pm
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Michael Caster (Mississippi):
There is no DOD requirement that a person with a collateral Secret clearance report foreign travel, except when filling out an SF86. There a requirement to report any suspicious contact with foreign nationals and any involvement with foreign law enforcement or security officials. I believe DOD requires its employees to receive defensive security briefings before traveling outside the U.S. |
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William Henderson on January 30, 2012 at 7:27pm
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I just graduated from university and I'm applying for a job which requires a security clearance and I have a concern. My father is in this country undocumented and my concern is that If I go ahead with the clearance he might get deported. How likely is this? |
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Confused (NV) on January 27, 2012 at 3:11pm
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Hello William and Bill,
I'm a college student filling out my first SF-86, and I'm unclear on what Section 19 means by "bonds of affection" when asking about foreign contacts. While I was traveling abroad two summers ago, I was hostel roommates with two guys from Canada and the UK, and we still communicate a few times a year via Facebook and telephone. I also visited each of them at their respective homes, once each, but both those visits were over a year ago. Since they're not especially close friends, does this not qualify as "bonds of affection?" |
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Aspiring Diplomatic Intern (Florida) on January 22, 2012 at 2:09am
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I was wondering what, if any, foreign travel reporting requirements there are for individuals that have a Secret clearance. I have found information on those with SCI, but nothing specific for Secret. |
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Michael Caster (Mississippi) on January 17, 2012 at 10:56am
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I was born in Iraq and lived there till 2009 i work as Terp for the us Military for 4 years and i joined the US Army 18 months ago I am a SPC now and got an offer to re class to intel job thats need a TS my wife still waiting on her Visa to get to the state side (i got married 4 months a go) and she is the only one i have over there do i have a chance to get a TS and im a US citizen now
Thanks |
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Amit (fort sill ) on January 15, 2012 at 12:28pm
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Hi Bill, can you please clarify some of my concerns about TS clearance with DOS? I am a naturalized citizen and my spouse is a foreign national (Taiwan) who lives in the states for 10+ years (green card holder). However, her parents, siblings and many child time friends (which she maintains close contacts with) are in Taiwan. What kind of background check/investigation will be conducted on my wife. I know I have to submit DS7601 which authorize the dept to conduct criminal check. Is this the only thing that they will check on a foreign national spouse? Can they conduct any investigative checks on her in Taiwan (or the in-laws)? Finally, what is the chance that I can get TS clearance given my situation? (naturalized citizen + foreign national spouse + all her contacts in a foreign country). Thank you so much for your service on this board, any insight would be greatly appreciated. |
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Tom (USA) on January 8, 2012 at 7:53pm
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Upset (Maryland):
You weren’t denied a security clearance. You were rejected during the employment suitability screening. See my article on Employment Suitability Versus Security Clearance post on this website at http://www.clearancejobs.com/cleared-news/83/employment-suitability-versus-security-clearance for more information. NSA is an intelligence community (IC) agency that uses different standards for employment suitability and security clearance than non-IC agencies. |
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William Henderson on December 30, 2011 at 1:16am
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Reading through a lot of these posts, I'm surprised that I was denied a clearance investigation based on my foreign contacts. Maybe someone can help me out.
I was applying to the NSA, and I got a call from them asking me for some pre-security clearance information. When they asked me if I had any close or continuing relations with foreign nationals, I told them that I did, that all of them were acquaintances from foreign schools I've studied at.
The last place I studied at was in Moscow, on a State Department fellowship. I made a good deal of friends there, which I told them about. I decided to err on the side of being safe and estimated I have about 40 contacts, with whom I correspond once ever couple of months. I clarified that I was NOT close to any of these people, have never been in a relationship with anyone in Russia, that these were just people I had talked to now and then at school and had added on my Russian version of facebook, which rarely gets updated.
However, there was one Armenian girl living in Russia who I still talk with all the time. I met her my last month of the program. I didn't date her, I had no relations with her, we just talk about everyday things, but about every other day. In short, she's just a college friend.
So I thought it wouldn't be a problem, but I got an email back from the NSA a week later saying that because of my close and continuing relationship with foreign contacts that I wouldn't have a background check performed on me, that I was disqualified. Based on what I gather from this article, that should not have happened. Can I assume that the NSA has more strict standards than other branches of the government? Can I apply to other branches of the government and expect to get a clearance, or am I doomed as a result of this girl? |
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Upset (Maryland) on December 29, 2011 at 2:17pm
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I am a naturalized citizen (from China). Got DoD TS clearance in 2010. Right now I am looking for other jobs that all require TS/SCI clearance. Is there any chance I can get the SCI clearance?
Thanks! |
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Wayne (Virginia) on December 20, 2011 at 10:26pm
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I currently have a TS/SCI and am considering working for a FVEY Government Agency. Do you think that this will have adverse affects on my security clearance in the US?
I've read many documents on the issue, and it seems that as long as you're not working against the interests of the US, you should be good to go.
Anyone? |
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James (USA) on December 9, 2011 at 7:47am
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wont give up (alabama):
If you held a Secret clearance in the security guard job that you lost in July 2010, you don't need an interim. Your Secret clearance can be reinstated until July 2012. I assume you did not leave the security guard job under unfavorble circumstance. |
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William Henderson on November 26, 2011 at 7:19pm
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Hello, I am due to have a security interview in 3 weeks for a TS. I'm worried because I am a dual citizen since birth (other country is small unimportant country) and all my family members are foreigners and I have spent more time living outside of the US than inside the US. I have traveled a LOT in the last 7 years but I've always filed my US taxes and haver never voted in any other country's elections. My finance is clean, never been arrested, have no skeletons in my closet. I feel like I might be on the border! |
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traveler (africa) on November 24, 2011 at 1:10am
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I had ts/sci clearance in the navy 12/2002.
Became a civilian in 2004. Married an illegal alien had to kids and separated as of 5/2008. I was offered a job as dod contractor 6/2008, denied INTERIM, 8/2008 had interview. 9/2008 was given SECRET clearance.
Job was already filled at that time. Settled with security job as a guard raising two kids alone and renting rooms.
Went back to school fall 2009. A+ Certificate 6/2010. Lost job 7/2010 while in school. Took a break from school and moved to Alabama 1/2011 with brother and his family for the cost of living. On unemployment at this time. by 4/2011 with tax return was able to get our own place for my girls and I.
I have not had any contact with their father for over 3 years, who I am still legally married to. He disappeared to MEXICO shortly after we separated. I have not divorced because it's a difficult process which requires time and money that I did not have in CA. I was working full-time and going to school, while raising 2 kids alone. Now ALabama wont divorce me until I have been a resident for 2-3 years here, because of the fact the man no longer lives in the country.
For some time now, I have been more focused on my career goals more than anything else. I am starting school again in the spring... is there any chance I would be able to get a interim? I completed the sf-86 with no errors and answered as honestly as I could. |
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wont give up (alabama) on November 18, 2011 at 4:09pm
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My brother is applying for a job that requires TS clearance. I'm a bit concerned that my affiliations could cause him some problems. I'm married to a diplomat from Argentina, hold an Argentine diplomatic passport, and have permanent residency status there. I've lived in Japan for five years while my husband is posted here, but we will soon move back to Argentina. I'm also going to apply for citizenship as my husband's position requires me to do this by law, however, I may be able to delay this. I have a valid US passport and visit the US regularly; I also have a bank account there. I contact my brother regularly but he has virtually no contact with my husband. Of course my brother will declare all this info, but I'm wondering if there is any point for him applying for the job given this situation.
Thanks in advance. |
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Big sister (Japan) on October 27, 2011 at 10:07pm
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Can someone that works for the government that needs security clearance date or marry a person whom isn't a citizen or green card holder? If not what are the consequences? |
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Missy (NY) on October 22, 2011 at 10:31pm
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I am a naturalized citizen, and all my family except my mom is also naturalized. During the security interview I told my Mom is planning to go back to India, and that is why she is not getting her citizenship. I do not have any foreign contact. Does my mom planning to go back(and she own property in India) cause a high likelihood of me getting denied of Secret Clearance for Navy Nuclear Field? |
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crouch tiger (Michigan,USA) on October 22, 2011 at 10:55am
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I' m a dual national (US and a South American country), both acquired at birth. I have many South American relatives (as well as American). My wife is a dual national of Germany and the South American country. My children have 3 passports. I live and own property in South America. I do not want to renounce my South American citizenship. What are my chances of getting top security clearance? |
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AJ (SAM) on October 19, 2011 at 11:31pm
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I worked in the Intelligence Community for many years and am an immigrant. I have SCI access. I came here at a very young age and only know the US. A co-worker married a Chinese national, he was given a desk job until the powers that be vetted her, then he was back in the swing of things.
In my opinion this is a case by case basis. I have seen people with three bankruptcies get cleared while a guy kicked out of ROTC in high school was not cleared. Be honest in the interview. Don't think of what you need to say to keep your job and your marriage, they will know you are beating around the bush, they interview folks for a living. Show the interviewer the truth and let the chips fall where they may. |
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Just Me (Southern California) on September 27, 2011 at 5:51pm
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I'm applying for a job with a security clearance but I'm concerned that my fiance's background will prevent me from getting one. They're a Chinese citizen and their parents are officials. Do you think that disqualifies me out of hand? How about for TS/SCI? |
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Alex (Ohio) on September 22, 2011 at 2:45pm
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I was told by my recruiter that working in a communist country would be frowned upon and seriously diminish my chances of obtaining a TS clearance. Is this true? I've currently been offered a job at a university in China and I'd like to take it while I wait to ship off. Thank you! |
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Matt (Seattle) on September 21, 2011 at 10:20am
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I am a retired Air Force member that held a TS SCI clearance for most of my career. I am currently a contractor with a secret level clearance. I have met a lady that is Venezuelan and has been a US citizen for over 2 years now. One brother is also a citizen and resides in the US and the other brother resides in the US and is working on his residency. Her mother has US residency and is splitting 6 moths a year between the US and Venezuela. What impact if any could this have on my security clearance? |
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Dave C (Virginia) on September 19, 2011 at 2:54pm
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Mr. Henderson or Mr. Bill L.,
I'm currently trying to enlist in the intelligence field in the military. Will long term foreign travel and specifically teaching English in China significantly reduce my chances of obtaining a TS security clearance?
If it's relevant, I was adopted from South Korea when I was a baby and have since lived in the USA with my wonderful family (they are white Americans). I've been naturalized.
Thank you very much! |
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Matt (Seattle, WA) on September 18, 2011 at 6:41pm
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I am a naturalized citizen living in US for 18 years and am citizen for 8 years. My parent and siblings live in India. I already have secret clearance.
Will I have problem in getting TS/SCI clearance?
Thanks. |
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Anonymous390424 (Tucson Arizona) on September 12, 2011 at 1:06am
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My parents and I migrated to Canada from Vietnam then we received our Canadian citizenship when I was about 3 years old. My siblings are all born in Canada. My immediate family live in Canada. We have relatives in US and Canada.
I have a Canadian girlfriend that live in Canada - her parents and grand-parents were born in Canada.
I came to the US 11 years ago to work as an engineer and became US citizen last year. I am dual citizen.
I applied for U.S. citizenship as soon as I was eligible.
All of my property and financial interests are in the US.
I have no intention to renew my expired Canadian passport and I am ready to surrender it to the appropriate security officer.
I recently received a CJO that require Top Secret/Special Intelligence clearance.
Will my dual citizenship, immediate family and girlfriend being Canadian citizens prevent me from getting the security clearance? What are the possible mitigation? |
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Don (NJ) on September 11, 2011 at 9:33am
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I am involved with an Australian intelligence analyst. I am also in the intelligence field, I currently hold a TS/SCI as does he. How is our relationship going to affect our clearance status' |
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Ann (TX) on September 10, 2011 at 2:46am
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Diamond G (Pacifc):
If you are in the U.S. legally, you are from a country like Canada, and your fiance has a collateral clearance, it doesn’t matter how long it takes for the clearance adjudication facility to review his case, because his clearance will probably be unaffected during the process. |
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William Henderson on September 6, 2011 at 12:18pm
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M (Baltimore MD):
Why do you think there is a 90% chance you will not be eligible for federal employment and/or a security clearance? “Foreign influence” rarely results in ineligibility for federal employment or HSPD-12 credentialing. And collateral security clearances are usually only denied if there is a “heightened risk” of foreign influence that presents a security concern. |
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William Henderson on September 6, 2011 at 12:11pm
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My fiance has a security Clearence. I am a foreign national, were getting married on Sept 25. How many days does it takes to process everything? Should it take a whole month? |
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Diamond G (Pacifc) on September 1, 2011 at 5:22pm
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My brother and I were born in the US. My father who was Italian born Australian citizen when we were both born. My mother was an Italian citizen at the time of our birth. Both our parents have been US Citizens since the early 1990's. My brother on the other hand has dual citizenship with the US and Australia.
Please clarify this for me. If I am to apply for any type of Federal job, 90% is that I will probably will not get any Federal job because of 'my so called ties to Italy and Australia'. I only to traveled to Australia when I was in college to meet my relatives. I never had any ties to any of my relatives in Italy very much. I don't speak Italian my relatives don't have any intention to be in touch with us. I am so American. I am born and raised in the USA. So therefore since my parents are not natural born citizens of the USA, I cannot get any Federal job such as sweeping the floor at a federal building or higher up. I have been very active in the Republican party in my county for years. I have no allegiance to the Queen of Australia (UK) or to Italy for that matter. |
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M (Baltimore MD) on August 31, 2011 at 11:39pm
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I am currently going through an avionics school and upon completion will need a secret clearance. I just married my wife. She is originally from Paraguay but has been living in the U.S. for the past 15 years. She entered the country legally on a visa but overstayed. She was put on a ten year ban. That is now over and she is in the process of applying for legal residency. |
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Brown (San Diego) on August 20, 2011 at 10:27pm
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Greg (Tennessee):
Probably not. It’s much better that she lives with you than in Russia. |
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William Henderson on August 20, 2011 at 5:01pm
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paul (indy):
Most of the information in the articles applies equally to the clearance applicant and his/her spouse/cohabitant, so of course being married to a Russian will be a problem. Being married to a Russian who lives in Russia will be even a bigger problem. Other considerations will include her occupation and employment, the occupation and employment of her relatives and close friends, and her financial and business interests in Russia. |
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William Henderson on August 20, 2011 at 4:56pm
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Last february I married A russian lady that lives in russia in Barnaul. I am trying to get A job that requares an security clearance having A russian wife will it hurt me from getting my clearance I am trying to get her A visa into A america and I really need this job thank you for your help |
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paul (indy) on August 19, 2011 at 10:51am
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I am a US citizen by birth and both sides of my family have been here since the 18th Century or earlier. My wife is originally from Russia and obtained her US citizenship as soon as it was available. He mother (75 yrs old) lives with us and has a Green Card. She has sold her apartment in Moscow and has cut off all ties to Russia other than having her pension check deposited in a US bank. My wife's father and brother are both deceased and she has only visited there twice in the last ten years. Their visit last year was for the purpose of selling her mother's apartment.
Question: I have an active Secret and my job will require elevation of the clearance to a TS/SCI. Will the fact that my mother-in-law lives with us be grounds for denying that TS/SCI? |
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Greg (Tennessee) on August 11, 2011 at 1:37pm
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Edward (USA ):
No your situation will not result in being denied a security clearance without a full evaluation of all the details concerning your foreign connections. The foreign influence criterion in the Adjudicative Guidelines is one of the most difficult to apply and there is a great deal of disparity in how cases with similar facts are decided. Each case is truly unique and each adjudicator is equally unique, but he/she tries to make a decision consistent with the needs of national security. There is no way a case with complex foreign influence concerns can be properly evaluated base on a couple of paragraphs of information. A good investigator could probably devote 3 or 4 pages of his/her report to your foreign connections and still not provide enough information to fully satisfy an adjudicator. The important thing is that your clearance will be granted or denied only after a complete review of all available information, not just the information you submit in an SF86. The quality of the information in your SF86, the quality of your answers to the investigators questions, and possibly the quality of your answers to an SOR will significantly influence whether or not you are granted a clearance. Read up on mitigating conditions for foreign influence and do the best you can on the SF86 and during the Personal Subject Interview. If you are issued an SOR, go to a professional for help. At most agencies about 40% of SOR responses are successful. I don’t have specific data on the State Department. |
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William Henderson on July 26, 2011 at 12:18pm
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I posted something on a different article and received a response; however, you mentioned I should post here and I still have some questions and hopefully you can answer them. My concern is with FSO security clearance for the Depart of State. I have dual citizenship with the USA and Colombia. My step-father is a natural born citizen while my mom gained citizenship approx. 21 years ago. She also holds valuable property in the country of Colombia. I've been back to Colombia numerous times for recreation and have three or so family members I talk to every so often. I'm curious if this would be a deal breaker because if it is then I would have spent a significant amount of time on an unreachable goal. I should also mention one of my family members was also married to an American at one point and another has been in the visa line for 12 years.
Also, I have only ever entered Colombia with a US passport and hold no Colombian documents aside from my birth certificate. I do not even own a Colombian ID card which is supposedly mandatory for all citizens. I will also add that my passport has a very wide array of stamps as I am avid recreational traveler. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to provide as much info as possible. I look forward to reading your response. |
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Edward (USA ) on July 22, 2011 at 4:06am
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MBT:
As things stand right now for collateral clearances, NO. But the Adjudicative Guidelines are being revised and one of the big changes will be to the "Foreign Preference" guideline. See Guideline C in ICPG 704.2 for a preview of the possible change. Optimistically this change may occur before the end of the year. |
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William Henderson on July 15, 2011 at 5:18pm
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Kevin (Killeen, Tx) : No. |
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William Henderson on July 15, 2011 at 5:12pm
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Hello,
I am being investigated for a TS/SCI and recently filled out the new SF-86. I currently hold a Secret clearance.
I am a U.S. citizen by birth. My parents are immigrants from South Korea. My mother became a naturalized U.S. citizen several years ago, but my father is a resident alien and still a citizen of South Korea.
All of my father's immediate family resides in the U.S.
My mother's immediately family resides in South Korea except for her sisters. One of her sisters lives in the U.S. and the other works for the South Korean embassy in Venezuela.
The aunt in Venezuela visited my family some time early last year and I have listed the contact in the Foreign Business section of the SF-86. I do not keep in contact with her at all, but my mother stays in touch with her by phone.
Will this contact with my aunt or my father's citizenship be detrimental to any part of my investigation or cause it to take much longer?
Thank you in advance. |
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Lee (VA) on July 14, 2011 at 4:33pm
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If a US citizen seeks a clearance after being naturalized in a foreign country, do you believe that such a person would ever be able to overcome the disqualifying condition? |
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MBT on July 2, 2011 at 8:07am
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I currently have a security clearance that should be up for review soon. The only thing that has changed is my brother, who is 16 years younger has been arrested twice and now has a felony record. He didnt do much time and was released to a rehab program. He wants me to become his Al Anon sponsor and I am not crazy about the idea. I have never had a drinking problem and at most drink only 4 to 5 beers a year. Will becoming a sponsor negatively effect my clearance? |
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Kevin (Killeen, Tx) on June 29, 2011 at 3:41pm
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Sweetpea (MD),
You should list these relatives, provide as much info as you can, and add in the comments something to the effect “Info is unknown. No contact since (date).” Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on June 21, 2011 at 8:28am
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Hi I'm working on my TS/SCI and there is a column that I have to fill in for my relatives. I have 1 half brother (Non US Citizen) and 1 half sister (US Citizen). However, I lost contact with them many years ago. My father doesn't even care to associate with them. Should I put their name in the list but I don't know their DOB and Address. |
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sweetpea (MD) on June 17, 2011 at 12:44pm
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Are there any guidelines for the level of intimacy or frequency of contact with a person at which point it becomes necessary to list them as a "friend, relative or associate"? My husband was offered a job which requires a "high risk public trust certificate". He has to fill out all the same paperwork for this as someone applying for a traditional security clearance and we are having trouble with this because he is a foreign citizen who just moved here about 2.5 years ago so naturally has a huge number of people who could potentially fall under this categorization. Would just giving names of people he talks to at least once a month be okay? |
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Jillian (Arlington, VA) on June 11, 2011 at 11:17am
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steve (afghanistan):
When you quit your job to accept another position that doesn’t require a US security clearance, you security clearance automatically terminates. Whether you will be eligible for a U.S. security clearance depends on what happens during the time you are employed by the Dutch company in a foreign country. If nothing bad happens and you completely cut all ties to foreign nationals before returning to work for a U.S. contractor there shouldn’t be any issues related to foreign connections. But you might not be able to get a TS clearance, because the U.S. would not be able conduct a complete background investigation on you because of your extended period of activity outside the U.S. |
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William Henderson on June 2, 2011 at 1:31am
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I am a security contractor with a secret clearance. I want to work for a Dutch company that will be providing security for the govt. of Suriname. Will this affect my clearance/ revoke? If I decide to come back to contracting with the U.S. govt. will I be able to get a security clearance again? |
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steve (afghanistan) on June 1, 2011 at 2:55am
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Dilly (Louisiana),
Your uncle’s status should have no bearing on your clearance determination. In my opinion, you will get your Secret. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on May 31, 2011 at 9:25am
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I was wondering if anyone could give me some piece of mind about getting a "secret "security clearence. I am currently in the Navy DEP and ship out in January next year. When I filled out the questionaire, the question was asked if I had any relatives living outside US. I put yes, I do have a uncle who works for a oil company in Isreal. however, he is only a temporary worker there for two or three years under contract. So he doesnt have a citizenship there and only retains his american citizen ship. Do you think I'll be granted a secret security clearance..any comments would be greatly appreciated. All my family has American citizenship and born in the US and for at least three or four generations. |
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dilly (Louisiana) on May 27, 2011 at 9:14pm
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john (dc):
Provided your TS/SCI was not granted with an exception (waiver, deviation, or condition), it should be reciprocally accepted by other Intelligence Communitiy (IC) agencies at the same sensitivity level. Sensitivity levels are: SSBI w/o polygraph, SSBI with CI Scope polygraph, and SSBI with Full Scope polygraph. If you don’t have a polygraph and one is required, then you should only have to submit a new SF86 and successfully pass the poly. No other investigation should be necessary and additional adjudication should be unnecessary. But of course things don’t always go the way they are supposed to in the arcane world of the IC and SCIs. |
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William Henderson on May 24, 2011 at 11:01pm
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I currently hold a TS clearance. My father is not a US citizen but resides in the US and has no connections/influence or financial interest outside of the US whatsoever. I was granted TS/SCI with DHS however I want to know what are my chances of being granted SCI access among the other different agencies...DOD..CIA...NSA..DIA for example. It was such a hassle to get this approved with my fathers circumstances. Are most agencies still requiring all immediate family members be US citizens? |
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john (dc) on May 24, 2011 at 3:36am
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Jim G. (Omaha):
The fact that you have SCI eligibility is not as important as the exact compartment(s) you have been indoctrinated (read) into. Some SCI compartments have country-specific restrictions. Yours is a situation that can only be addressed by your security officer and/or the government security officer. |
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William Henderson on May 17, 2011 at 8:43pm
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I have an Iranian girlfriend I have been communicating with online for almost a year. She is a student in S. Korea (and I have visited her before there) now but intends to live in either the US or Canada upon graduation. I currently hold an active TS/SCI clearance and have reported the relationship to my security office months ago and have heard nothing back. If I were to marry a foreign national, they indicated I would need some kind of "permission" to proceed with the marriage. Should I attempt to ask for this permission or will this be a serious problem based on her nationality? She has told me her relatives do not work for the government there, but I do not know whether there are any solid mitigating factors here or not. How can they really check her background out considering she lives elsewhere and is citizen of an unfriendly government? |
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Jim G. (Omaha) on May 17, 2011 at 2:50pm
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Upset (VA),
There is a separate article on this site titled Processing Interim Security Clearances, posted on May 8, 2011. Unfortunately, the answers to your questions are – 1) no, your spouse’s clearance will not help (or hurt) you; 2) The agency that denied your interim was probably DISCO and they do not provide a reason (your company security officer should be able to decipher the reason(s) by reviewing your SF 86/eQIP); and 3) yes, you will be contacted by an OPM investigator for a personal interview to explain; however, it will probably not happen for several weeks or months. In my opinion, if you provided documentation of your actions to renounce your foreign citizenship and close your foreign bank account and your security officer provided that documentation to DISCO, you should have been granted an interim, unless there are other issues on your SF 86/eQIP. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on May 17, 2011 at 9:44am
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Hello,
The Govt. contractor that recently hired me just sent me an email to tell me that I was denied of my interim clearance without providing any reasons due to the privacy act. Now, my situation is that I am a foreign born with foreign born parents and naturally, have foreign contacts as well. After reading numerous posts from various different websites, I have a feeling that this may be the main issue because I have a very clean record that I am very sure of. I also have shown that I paid ultimate allegiance to the United States by recently renouncing my foreign born citizenship, and closed my foreign bank account that Ive had since I was a kid. Other than these, the only foreign connections that I am left with is my family which I obviously cannot disconnect myself from. But again, this doesn't have to do with anything regarding the country. Also, my husband is a government worker that already has a security clearance.1) Why couldnt this have helped my case? 2) How can I get the info on the reason I was denied? 3) Will there be a possibility that I could get at least an interview to prove myself? If there is, how can I go about getting one?
Thank you in advance!!!!
:( |
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Upset (Virginia) on May 12, 2011 at 5:30pm
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Hello. I have a few questions. I am from Kazakstan/Central Asia ( one of the past Sovet Union country). I have a boyfriend US citizen who recently got new job in overseas. He has a high security clearence because of his new job required. I met him while I've been working as TCN employee on US base in overseas. We fell in love and we are serious about our relationship and planning to get married. My background - my father is retired and my mother is still working in a hospital in my country. My elder sister's husband works for Kazak goverment as CIA. My questions is_
1) How much our relationship can affect my bf's clearense?
2) Is it possible to us get married and him still keep his job and level of his cecurity clearence?
3) Or what can we do in our situation?
Thank your for your any infomation forehead.
V/Alia |
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Alia (Kyrgyzstan) on May 11, 2011 at 2:11pm
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Nervous (Virginia):
You don’t have an issue. Just explain the situation to the investigator, and tell him/her that all you know is what you have been told by relatives. What matters is that you don’t know exactly who your father is; you’ve never had any contact with him; and you don’t know how to contact him. |
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William Henderson on May 7, 2011 at 12:24am
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I have a bit of an issue! I'm in the process of getting a background investigation to get a TS clearance, my father who I never met or know anything about is apparently from the Carribeans. On my e-Quip I listed him as unknown. Because I was told by relatives that I'm half Carribean (my mother is from the US), I grow up telling my friends and coworkers I was mixed with Carribean. I'm pretty sure some of my references I listed on e-Quip mentioned to the investigator that I was half Carribean. I know a question is going to come my way about that... I have my birth certificate listing my father as unknown. I don't want the investigator to think I'm lying or anything.
Growing up, my father was never discussed only that he was from Jamaica. |
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Nervous (Virginia) on May 5, 2011 at 8:01pm
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A few of you may mis-interpret the foreign influence guideline when you were born in another country and this is your adopted country. When reviewing your file, we are necessarily questioning what you may reveal that is secret but what would 'the other government' do to your loved ones to get you to talk/give up information. The factor of influence is not always centered around YOU! |
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Adjudicator 101 (Maryland) on May 4, 2011 at 1:02pm
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JC (CA),
As part of the investigation for a TS clearance, appropriate checks will be conducted on your fiancée to verify her legal status in the US. Part of your personal interview will dwell on her background (employment, contacts/relatives remaining in the Philippines, etc). If those issues are not a problem, I think you have a good chance of being granted TS. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on May 3, 2011 at 9:04am
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Confused (WA),
I am likewise confused. In my opinion, the AJ was wrong. I do not see your father’s employment as an issue. Your husband could have been granted a clearance eligibility conditionally (or with a warning). I recommend he reapply if he is offered a job that requires a clearance and hopefully his employed will be willing to wait out the time it takes for the completion of the process. If the property is no longer in play and (I assume) there is no monetary indebtedness left, he should be granted. Good luck |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on May 3, 2011 at 9:00am
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Hi. I am a U.S. citizen by birth and do not currently possess a clearance. I am currently applying for a TS clearance. I have a fiancé in the Philippines for whom I applied a fiancé visa. She has no family in government as far as I know. I have documented her as my fiancé in the foreign contacts section of my SF-86. Should I be concerned that my relationship will affect my application? Thanks. |
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JC (CA) on May 1, 2011 at 12:37am
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My husband was denied a security clearance a couple of years ago due to the fact that I have given some money to my elderly parents in Russia to purchase a property, and my father was employed at a local university in a building maintenance capacity. We have been married for 15 years, and I lived in U.S. since 1999. I became a citizen in 2005, our son was born here and I work for a local government. The AJ's decision alleged that I can influence my husband, however the official reasons were the property and my father's employment. Since then the property was sold, but my parents are still there, and my father continues to work as he has a couple of years before he retires. My husband was recently offered a position that would require a security clearance. I know that time wise he can reapply for it, but my question is whether in this situation he has any chances. He is a natural born US citizen, honorably discharged veteran, worked as a contractor for all his career, absolutely clean background otherwise. Will really appreciate your opinions. |
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Confused (WA) on April 30, 2011 at 4:15pm
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A humble U.S Navy - ONI Civilian:
I recommend you use the Q&A service offered by this website (http://www.clearancejobsblog.com/new-security-clearance-question-and-answer-service/), if you are looking for a quick review and appraisal of your SOR response. |
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William Henderson on April 29, 2011 at 2:45am
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brandon (Alabama):
It depends on the details. Has your wife become a US citizen? Does your wife have immediate family in German? In other countries? Do any of her relatives work for intelligence agencies? . . . . |
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William Henderson on April 29, 2011 at 2:37am
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D (MA):
Every case is reviewed on its own merits, and in cases involving “foreign influence” the details regarding relatives are very important. |
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William Henderson on April 29, 2011 at 2:33am
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Greetings William & Bill:
I recently received SOR from DON CAF and have been given 30 days to submit my rebuttal for: FOREIGN INFLUENCE, PERSONAL CONDUCT, FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS. I am naturalized citizen & living in U.S for over two decades. I do have some foreign relatives and friends that I have very little to no contacts however, I send $100.00/year for my brother’s family in Pakistan via my U.S sibling. The small amount of the contribution does not create any conflict between Pakistan and my loyalty to the United States and cannot be used to manipulate or influence me. Further, I am willing to stop sending money for my brother’s family and sign an affidavit to that effect to mitigate any concern. The level of interaction with my non U.S citizens relatives is infrequent and does not present any issue of divided loyalty on my part. My allegiance is entirely with the United States and not to foreign countries or any transnational organization. Lastly, I have had financial hardship for following: trouble real-estate investment (sold via short sale), failed business (lasted for 5 years) and 4 loss of jobs/lay-offs. I don't want to broadcast my SOR and responses on the website and hoping to get your valuable input. I can send you my SOR and my responses via email/fax for your much needed input. I promise that I will not nag you after that. I did show my responses to attorney who gave his feedback however, your valuable input is very much desire and will greatly be appreciated.
My greatest fear is that if I get denied I will also lose my existing clearances and therefore all my credentials (SSBI, Secret, ADPII, Public Trust).
Best Regards,
A humble U.S Navy - ONI Civilian |
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A humble U.S Navy - ONI Civilian (Washington) on April 28, 2011 at 12:46pm
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I am married to a German since 10 years, have lived and worked there for a year in 2006 (as a Kindergarten teacher), should I be concerned? Would appreciate any feedback? |
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brandon (Alabama) on April 26, 2011 at 10:02pm
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I am an immigrant from the Ukraine, I arrived here when I was 6. My entire immediate family (mother, father, sister, etc etc) all came over with me and are now all naturalized citizens. The people we have left are my mother's family in Russia. To me there is no one closer then cousins still living there. I have never returned to visit and it has been many years since my parents have been there. Will this still prevent me from getting an SCI? |
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D (MA) on April 22, 2011 at 12:58pm
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Gburg (Washington),
First of all, I always urge people to complete all forms accurately. You should list these relatives (aunt, uncle) in Section 19. As you identified, their status in the U.S. is not requested. If you are applying for a Secret clearance, I doubt this issue will arise as you will not be required to undergo a personal interview. If you are applying for a TS clearance, you will undergo a personal interview and the nature of your contact will be reviewed. If you are applying for a position requiring SCI and a possible polygraph, a problem could surface as you will be asked specifically about your association. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on April 21, 2011 at 8:46am
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I am married to a woman from Peru, now a naturalized U.S. citizen. Her immediate family is here too - all naturalized, except for her aunt and uncle, who I know are here illegally. We only see them about 4 times a year for holidays and such, and provide no support or anything. If I list them on my background investigation forms, will it impact me? Will their immigration status be investigated? (The form doesn't ask for status - just wants to know my foreign contacts.) I want this job, but I don't want it to cause some of my wife's family to get deported! |
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Gburg (Washington) on April 20, 2011 at 5:28pm
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Amy (NY):
There is often a relationship between adjudicative time and clearance denial. See my article on “What is My Chance of Getting a Security Clearance” posted on this website. The chart in that article shows the progression of cases through the adjudicative process. As cases move down through each stage of adjudication the time involved increases.
Check with your security officer. If your investigation has been closed and referred to adjudication more than 120 days ago, your security officer can make a formal inquiry regarding its status. If your case got misplaced, this inquiry should get it moving again. Your security officer should follow up with a phone call to DISCO a couple of day after submitting the inquiry as an RRU through JPAS. |
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William Henderson on April 15, 2011 at 4:17pm
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Hi, I've been waiting for my clearance for one year long and there has been no updates. Is it possible for me to get a copy of my investigation file now and see what's taking so long? The average time it takes to receive clearance at the company is about 2-4 months, since it's been so long, is this a sign I may be denied clearance? I don't have any criminal records but I am a recently naturalized citizen. |
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Amy (NY) on April 12, 2011 at 11:50pm
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Will (MD),
Based on what you wrote, I do not think marrying your fiancée would adversely affect a clearance decision. Since there is limited contact, no apparent financial connections/obligations and her parents do not work for a foreign government agency, I think you will be okay. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on April 12, 2011 at 10:07am
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Hi Bill,
You mentioned that no offical relationship would be a mitigating factor. How would this be affected if we got married? Could I lose me clearance?
Thanks |
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Will (MD) (Maryland ) on April 10, 2011 at 12:37am
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curious:
The U.S. does not have authority to conduct investigations in other countries, unless permitted under a military Status of Forces Agreement. So, the answer is no, but there are exceptions to every rule. Federal background investigations are conducted for purposes other than national security clearances. When interviewing references background investigators generally state that the applicant is being considered for a position of trust and responsibility with the US Government, rather than stating that the applicant is being considered for a security clearance. |
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William Henderson on April 7, 2011 at 11:37pm
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Will my relatives who are non-US citizens currently living in a foreign country be contacted during the investigation? If so, wouldn't it be not good if they find out that I am going through the security clearance to work for the US government? |
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curious on April 7, 2011 at 12:45pm
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Will (MD),
In my opinion, your situation should not result in a clearance denial. You will have to list your girlfriend on your SF 86/eQIP and it is possible that you will be interviewed about her, but you have already provided mitigating information (little contact, no official relationship, etc. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on April 7, 2011 at 10:01am
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I have two questions regarding getting a clearance. I have been given an offer for two positions. The one I would like requires a secret clearance.
I have a girlfriend that I live with who got her citizenship about 2 years ago. She has the rest of her family in Hungary. Her parents work in a hospital and as a farmer. I have been out there to visit last year and met them. I do not communicate with them as we do speak the same language, but she talks to her mom a few times a week. Do you know if this would affect me from getting a clearance?
With what I have read about the clearance taking a while would taking the other job while the process was going on hurt the clearance process? |
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Will (Maryland) on April 7, 2011 at 9:30am
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Really Anxious:
The Adjudicative Guidelines apply equally to everyone; however, when it is in the government’s interest, a clearance can be granted with a waiver, condition, or deviation. Merely having foreign national friends and relatives does not automatically disqualify a person for a security clearance. For a clearance to be denied the relationship with a foreign national must (in the government’s judgment) create a heightened risk of foreign influence or the potential for conflict of interest. It all boils down the the nature of the relationship(s), the country, and the status of the foreign national(s). |
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William Henderson on April 6, 2011 at 10:26pm
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I am a college student going through the security clearance process for a short-term internship with the State Department.
One of my immediate family members, my roommates, and a few of my college friends are foreign nationals. (Its inevitable because there are many international students in my university.) And in my recent interview for the investigation, I was to told to list some of my foreign relatives who reside in the foreign country as well even though I don personally keep in touch with them. The country of their citizenships is considered a global hot spot unfortunately.
Do the standards for considering an interns background differ from full-time employee for the clearance? How likely would my situation result in a clearance denial? This internship is very important to me. Could you please offer me some guidance that would hopefully give me some peace of mind? Thank you. |
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Really Anxious on April 6, 2011 at 12:47pm
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Jim (NC),
Unfortunately, published regulations have lagged behind policy. A 380-67 and its DOD counterpart DoD 5200.2-R are not current. The country list you referenced has been deleted. Currently, countries of interest change frequently and the investigators and adjudicators have the option to consult with counter-intelligence authorities to decide if the country involved is a current country of concern for national security decisions. As I said before, the primary concerns will be nature and degree of contact with anyone residing in or a citizen of a foreign country, and whether you can be vulnerable to coercion or blackmail. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on April 5, 2011 at 9:53am
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Thanks, Mr. Henderson,
I'm planning to go active duty, and i just found the wonderful AR 380-67. In it, it mentions spouses from countries in 'appendix h'. On it, is the country my spouse is from (China), and for all intents and purposes it makes it out to seem that i would be ineligible for SCI, regardless of the relationships she has (or lack thereof) with her relitives. This article: http://www.clearancejobsblog.com/gettingupdating-a-clearance/dni-issues-new-standards-for-sci-eligibility/
mentions that the requirements that immidiate family all be US citizens was changed, but i guess that still precludes some contries, correct? I notice the date on AR 380-67 is 1988, but the information in it is likely current, right? |
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Jim (NC) on April 4, 2011 at 8:19pm
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Anon:
Probably not, if your not communicating with them any more. There has to be both close and/or continuing contact and a bond of affection, etc. before you are required to list the person on the SF86. I'm hard pressed to imagine a situation where you had passing contact with someone, no matter how intimate, and a bond of affection still exists. A bond implies that you can be influenced by them. |
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William Henderson on March 31, 2011 at 6:02pm
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Jim (NC),
Not necessarily true. There are provisions in the regulations for a “waiver” to this situation. If you are a military member and your specialty is a critical skill, the adjudication facility will normally grant an automatic waiver and document it in JPAS. If you are a contractor, the sponsoring Government agency will consider your technical skill set and decide if they want to submit a request for a waiver to the adjudication facility, which is normally granted. In either case, the adjudication facility will look at the country involved, whether relatives still reside overseas and any degree of possible influence the situation my have on you. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on March 29, 2011 at 10:15am
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Just a quick question: What counts as "bonds of affection?" I've had some casual relationships/ one night stands with people who are not American citizens. They all happened in the US, and I am not communicating with these individuals in any way (even through social media). Would I have to report them? |
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Anon on March 23, 2011 at 11:14pm
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So, if I'm reading this correctly- if my wife is not a US citizen, I'm ineligible for a SCI clearance, regardless of my ability to mitigate the circumstances? |
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Jim (NC) on March 23, 2011 at 7:29pm
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Han:
The primary security concern will not be whether your future wife is a permanent resident or a US citizen. The primary concern will be her family and close friends in Vietnam. Whether or not your clearance is revoked will depend on your future in-laws—who they are, what they do, and the potential for adverse influence. |
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William Henderson on March 21, 2011 at 4:52pm
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Worried (Texas):
Unless you feel bound to this person by affection, influence, and/or obligation, you don’t have to tell your employer and you don’t have to tell the investigator (unless the investigator asks) and it should not affect your eligibility to get a clearance. |
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William Henderson on March 21, 2011 at 4:40pm
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freelance (VA):
List it under one extended period of self-employment. But before you do that, you may want to compute what you really made after expenses (e.g. depreciation, home-office, supplies, etc.) to determine whether you actually made any money—otherwise it’s a hobby. |
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William Henderson on March 21, 2011 at 4:32pm
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Does having a roommate who's on work visa from India affect my eligibility to get a clearance? Do I have to tell the investigator I'm living with a non-US citizen? Should I inform my employer who's a DOD contractor? Please help me. Thanks. |
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Worried (Texas) on March 20, 2011 at 5:51pm
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I'm DOD civilian. I have secret clearance. I plan to sponsor my Vietnamese fiancée to the U.S. and marry her. She and her parents is not working for the government. She never come to the U.S. before.
Is it safe to marry her to not make my secret clearance revoke?
In the worst case, I lose my secret clearance because of this marriage. As a result, I lose my job. Is that possible for me to get secret clearance and this job again once she has U.S. citizenship?
Thanks |
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Han on March 14, 2011 at 8:29pm
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I have a question, I have done freelance work for video editing but not for any companies - mainly for family and friends who offered to pay me to edit their videos. I didn't pay taxes on the money I received (it wasn't a lot of money!) But my freelance work IS on my resume. Do I have to put all my freelance work on the SF-86? |
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freelance (VA) on March 8, 2011 at 5:55pm
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Worried-11 (OH),
First, you can stop worrying. Ever if you break up with your boyfriend, he should list you on his SF 86/eQIP in Section 19 which asks for foreign contact covering the past 7 years. Your relationship should not adversely impact his clearance eligibility. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on March 8, 2011 at 8:51am
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I have a question: Not sure if I can add as comment. Here's my try!
My boyfriend applied for a job that requires TS Clearance. We have been dating for 6 months. My boyfriend and I donot live together. I am a Green card holder from India, eligible to apply for US citizenship next year. I have family back in India, with whom I keep in touch.
Will our relationship stop him from getting this clearance? Since I don't live with him, do I still count as a cohabitant even though we share "bonds of affection"? Will breaking up with him help him with the clearance? |
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Worried_11 (Ohio) on March 3, 2011 at 9:31am
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Del (Pa):
I think if your brother returns to Canada every 90 days, he doesn’t need a visa. The fact that your brother may be working illegally in the U.S., probably won’t affect your security clearance eligibility. If he is illegally in the U.S. don’t allow him to stay with you. It could be a felony offense to do so. |
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William Henderson on March 1, 2011 at 9:25pm
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I am waiting for my background investigation to be completed for a Top Secret clearance. My investigation started the beginning of October. I am a Naturalized U.S. citizen and born Canadian citizen. Both of my parents are still in Canada. I just received a notice from DISCO requesting info from my spouse, brother and sister on their citizenship/alien registration or passport. My sister is here on a work visa and I can provide that, my wife is a Naturalized U.S. Citizen and I also have that.
My brother is a freelance musician who travels all over America but does not have a passport or any U.S. residency documentation. I did inform the investigators about my brothers status. Will this prevent me from getting the final top secret clearance? I will have to provide this within 15 days. |
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Del (Pa) on February 25, 2011 at 8:55pm
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JT (NY):
Are you sure the offense of passing a school bus was a misdemeanor and not an infraction. If it was an infraction, you don’t have to list it on your SF86 even if it occurred within the past seven years. You will have to list the improper passing if it happened within the past seven years. Minor traffic violations (unless there are a lot of recent ones) usually don’t result in the declination of an interim clearance.
You only need to list your grandparents, uncles and aunts, if you feel a bond of affection, influence, or obligation and you have had contact with them in the past and you anticipate contact with them in the future. |
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William Henderson on February 24, 2011 at 5:00pm
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I got a new job, which requires an Secret Interim. I have few questions that I'm concerned with my ability to obtain the interim
1) I have 2 traffic tickets on my record a) pass a school bus (misdemeanor, paid fine $200), b) improper passing (reduced down from reckless, paid fine $500). No loans default, credit score is excellent. Do these records affect my ability to clear the Interim
2) Question 19, list all foreign contacts. All my immediate family (parents + a brother) are here in US, all US citizens. My grandparents + uncles + aunts (from both sides of the family) are still in Vietnam. I have little to no contact with them, but my parents do. They called them 1-2 times a month. Do I have to list them here?
Many thanks,
JT |
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JT (NY) on February 23, 2011 at 9:05am
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Mr. Bill and Mr. Henderson,
My Interim Clearance was denied, but I am lucky to get final job offer. Now offer is contingent upon my ability to obatain and maintain TS/SCI clearance.
Once again, Here are red flags in my case:
1) My parents are currently in India and Indian citizen. I have frequent contacts with them. Same apply for my sister. My parents just got their visa (permanent resident card) , they will be here in February 2011 and have a plan
to stay with us permanently. They would also like to be US citizen whenever they are going to eligible for that.
2)My in-laws are living with us: one is US-citizen, another one has a green card. My Parentsin-laws have frequent contacts with my brother-in-laws, but I don't.
I came here in 2006 and got green card. I got US citizenship in 2009. I visited India twice by this time.
What are my chances to get a TS/SCI? I really appreciate your response. |
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JP (Laurel, MD) on January 26, 2011 at 3:54pm
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I'm a senior university student, graduating in May. Two prior DoD internships, TS/SCI expired in 2009 at the end of my last internship. I will soon be undergoing investigation for State and Defense Dept. TS/SCI clearances for a third internship. I have two questions.
I spent last year studying abroad in Japan, and am still in contact via Facebook with friends from throughout the world. My work experience is, of course, not listed on Facebook, nor are any of them aware of it. I don't believe any of these ties are close enough to be of concern, but is it possible/likely that this would be an issue?
Second, it's possible I may start dating a Chinese national studying at my university. She would obviously be kept unaware of my prior and upcoming work experience, and the relationship would almost undoubtedly end upon graduation. Were such a relationship to happen, it would of course be reported to the investigator. As with the first question, how likely is it that this would cause an issue with the TS/SCI clearance?
Thank you for your help! |
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Cautious on January 24, 2011 at 7:40pm
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jerry (virginia) :
It doesn’t matter that much where a girlfriend/fiancee/spouse is from, if she doesn’t have any relatives still living there. The Adjudicative Guidelines uses the term “heightened risk,” not “high risk country.” Heightened risk is based on a combination of the country, the closeness of the applicant’s relationship to people in that country, and the occupation/position those people.
Adjudicative agencies evaluate a country base on information they receive from other government agencies regarding the country’s level of intelligence collections efforts against the U.S., its human rights record, and the presence of terrorist activities in the country. These factors are not static. Ukraine is neutral but has become more pro-Russian since the 2010 election. |
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William Henderson on January 14, 2011 at 11:03am
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Dr Syed Anwar Karim (Gaithersburg Maryland):
OPM may have conducted your investigation, but some other agency will adjudicate the investigation. Go to the top of this page and click on the link, “In the News,” and scroll down to Jun 28, 2010 where you will find the article, “Security Clearances: How Long Do They Take.” The data in the article are about a year old now, but haven’t changed significantly for most agencies. |
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William Henderson on January 14, 2011 at 10:26am
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My girlfriend is an immigrant from Ukraine. Is Ukraine a "high risk country", and would it make a difference in where she's from if i were to say get married to her? Would I still be in trouble? |
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jerry (virginia) on January 12, 2011 at 10:13pm
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My TS/SCI expired in Sept 2009. I retired in July 2009. Now I am being considered for a position which requires TS/SCI. Periodic Review (PR) of my TS/SCI by OPM was completed in October 2010.
How long does it take to reflect the clearance status following PR on JPAS.
Thanks! |
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Dr Syed Anwar Karim (Gaithersburg Maryland) on January 11, 2011 at 12:23am
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JP (Laurel, MD):
An interim clearance in your case is difficult to predict. But it only takes a few days to get an interim clearance determination. |
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William Henderson on January 2, 2011 at 6:44pm
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Hai (Oregon):
Yes it is possible, but it depends on a lot of factors. |
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William Henderson on January 2, 2011 at 6:05pm
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JP (Laurel, MD),
I am assuming that you are now a US citizen (as only US citizens can be granted a security clearance) and your in-law with the green card is not from a country of particular interest to the US in a counterintelligence way (N. Korea, Iran, etc). In my opinion, you should be granted an interim clearance upon submission of your eQIP. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on December 29, 2010 at 9:21am
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Hai (OR),
Based on your scenario, I believe you have a good chance to retain your clearance. You should advise your company security officer of your relationship and of when you get married. He/she may report this info the appropriate adjudication facility, but I think you will be okay. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on December 29, 2010 at 9:17am
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I am currently working for DOD as a civilian. I have a secret clearance for the job. I plan to Vietnam to marry a Vietnamese lady who currently study in France as an international student. She and her parents have not working in the Vietnamese governments. They are just farmers. Is it possible my secret clearance being revoked because of this marriage? |
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Hai (Oregon) on December 28, 2010 at 9:47pm
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I have a great job offer that is contingent upon the interim clearance. Here are red flags in my case:
1) My parents are currently in India and Indian citizen. I have frequent contacts with them. Same apply for my sister. My parents just got their visa (permanent resident card) , they will be here in February 2011.
2)My in-laws are living with us: one is US-citizen, another one has a green card.
I came here in 2006, I visited India twice by this time.
What are my chances to get an interim clearance? |
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JP (Laurel, MD) on December 25, 2010 at 6:28pm
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A Bit Worried,
First of all, don’t be – worried. You should disclose your relationship. I do not think it will be a problem. I agree that Australians are one of our biggest allies, but hiding the contact is by far worst. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on December 22, 2010 at 10:50am
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I'm currently undergoing the application process for a position in an intelligence agency. I have an ex-boyfriend that I'm still in touch with (emails mostly) that is Australian and works for the Australian government. His position is in health policy and not at all security related. Does anyone know if this hurts my chances of getting the clearance I need, even though the Aussies are such close allies? |
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A Bit Worried on December 16, 2010 at 10:23pm
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John (MD),
I do not think your situation is uncommon. We all have relatives through marriage, divorce/remarriage, etc that we are not close to and know much about. Based on the infrequency of contact, I would say you do not have to report this contact. However, if your uncle is from a country of particular interest (you can glean a short list from the news) or if he becomes more interested in your work/employer (reference your annual security briefings), then you may want to report the contact. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on December 16, 2010 at 9:10am
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I've held a TS/SCI for 8 years and I completed a SSBI-PR 18 months ago.
On my form I did not list having any foreign contacts for which I have a continuing relationship with. However, I recently found out (after my ssbi was completed) that my uncle by marriage is not an American citizen. I had never thought to ask him (I always assumed he was) and I found out by random conversation.
We only see each other once a year at Christmas get parties. My question is can i get in trouble for not listing him, as long as I'm forthcoming in future investigations? What should I do? |
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John (Maryland) on December 12, 2010 at 9:55pm
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Foreign Contacts Question SF 86 (DC),
Technically, you do not have to list this “contact”; however, I recommend you list your friend’s info in item 19. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on December 7, 2010 at 10:47am
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Frank (GA),
In my opinion, your situation should not result in a clearance denial. However, the SF 86/eQIP will ask you to identify your former spouse and current location. You can list her last known location and place an entry in the remarks block “Last known location. No contact since 20**.” You can expand during your personal interview. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Bowie, MD) on December 7, 2010 at 10:42am
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Foreign Contacts Question SF 86-q 19:
There is no need to list this person at question #19, because no bond of affection, influence, and/or obligation exists. If you are submitting an SF86 for an investigation that includes a Personal Subject Interview (PRSI), you will be asked questions regarding foreign contacts and the questions may be worded more broadly than on the SF86. So be prepared to disclose information about your friend in Iraqi at that time. Also be aware that a new SF86 is scheduled to be released this month. The new form has many more questions regarding foreign contacts and the current question #19 has been expanded to include people that you are bound to by “common interests.” |
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William Henderson on December 6, 2010 at 4:19pm
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Frank (GA):
It’s not uncommon to completely lose contact with a former spouse and not know her current address. Just list her last known address as required and briefly explain the situation in the comment section of question #17B of the July 2008 version of the SF86. A new version of the SF86 is scheduled to be released this month and the question numbers will probably change. Being divorced from an Iraqi citizen who you have had no contact with for 5 years, who you would refuse to have contact with in the future, and who can not influence in any way, should have little or no affect on your eligibility for a clearance. Many investigations are completed satisfactorily without all the required interviews. It would be a plus, if you could list someone on the SF86 who is aware of the marriage, divorce, complete estrangement, and your attitude toward her. |
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William Henderson on December 6, 2010 at 4:09pm
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I am a university student who is going to be processed for a TS SCI shortly. One of my roommates is moving out and the replacement roomate (who was picked randomly) is a foreign national. Will this hurt my chances? I am moving out in a couple months, should i ask my sponsor to wait till i no longer live with a foreign national? |
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abc on December 6, 2010 at 12:18pm
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I have a friend who is a naturalized US citizen. He has been a U.S. passport holding citizen for many years. He has temporarily moved back to his home country (Iran). We have had infrequent contact through e-mail. He has called me on the phone a couple times on the occaisions he has returned to the U.S.
Question 19 of the SF-86 defines a foreign national as someone who is not a U.S. citizen. I know that I am not in any means bound by affection, influence, or obligatin to this person but should I list him as a contact anyway because he lives outside the U.S? |
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Foreign Contacts Question SF 86-q 19 (Washington D.C.) on December 3, 2010 at 8:19am
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Sir,
I am applying for federal jobs and believe I will be offered a position requiring a Top Secret clearance. My only concern is that I was once married to an Iraqi woman for one year while I was living and working in the Middle East about five years ago. The marriage occurred in Jordan under Jordanian law. I had an appointment scheduled with the US Embassy to arrange for a spouse visa, but the marriage fell apart before the Embassy meeting occurred. While I was in Jordan, I never had the marriage certified or validated by US authorities (as I had hoped to), and am not fully sure if it was 100% valid to begin with. Before I left Jordan, I did make sure to get a divorce certificate just to be on the safe side.
I have had no contact with my former spouse for nearly five years (she likely returned to Iraq but I don know for sure), and I have no knowledge of her whereabouts or the whereabouts of any of her family members. We have no obligations to each other, financial or otherwise.
I understand that an interview with a former spouse is required for a TS clearance, but Im not sure how much this will hurt me if the former spouse was Iraqi and I have no knowledge of her whereabouts.
Thanks for any advice you can provide. |
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Frank (GA) on December 2, 2010 at 6:46pm
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AlanG (Ohio):
I've never heard of anyone with a Canadian girlfriend, fiancee, or spouse, having a problem getting or retaining a collateral security clearance. |
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William Henderson on November 23, 2010 at 1:05am
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Jamx (Kuwait),
First of all, you can not apply for a TS clearance unless your company or duties require TS eligibility/access. Your current relationship should be reported to your security officer ASAP. Relationships with non-US citizens can affect all levels of clearance – TS, Secret, even Confidential. Your relationship, whether it results in marriage or not, will be a issue to consider by the adjudication facility now and for your Secret reinvestigation or TS investigation. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on November 18, 2010 at 9:26am
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Thanks for your detailed answers and information.
I have another question. I am a US Citizen born in the US. Family has been in US since 1700s.
I am currently working in the Middle East. I have had a Secret Clearance for about a year - an interim for about a few months then Secret. I would like to apply for Top Secret. I am planning to live overseas for several years but go back in US at some point.
I am dating a Chinese National. Her family lives in China and she has never been to the US. If the relationship becomes serious when do I have to report it? Also, if we become married would that jeopardize my secret or top secrete clearance. |
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Jamx (Kuwait) on November 7, 2010 at 9:43pm
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William,
Thank you very much for this informative article. Very helpful.
Question: I previously held a TS/SCI, which expired in 2008 due to my leaving (voluntarily) the job that required it. My current job is in a non-cleared environment, however I may be returning to work in a cleared environment in the next few months, which would require a secret clearance (DOE). However, I'm concerned because I'm in contact with a Canadian citizen who I met over the internet. We had talked about meeting up in-person in the next few weeks in Canada. She doesn't know about my having worked in a cleared environment before, and I don't intend to disclose any information to her about either my old position or my new position. She and I do have regular contact, typically every other day via Skype, although not as much recently because she is in South Africa for her job (but will be returning to Canada in a week). Does this situation sound like it could potentially constitute a deal-breaker for a secret clearance when I report it on my SF-86? If I did *not* meet with her in person, would that mitigate some of the risk? Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks,
Alan G |
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AlanG (Ohio) on October 30, 2010 at 1:23pm
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Hamid (Denver):
Not enough info to say whether the investigation will take a long time. BTW, I've never known DSS to give an opinion about how long a case will take--particularly since they haven't conducted any investigations since 2005. The adjudicative portion of the processing will probably take much longer than the average. |
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William Henderson on October 26, 2010 at 6:50pm
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William--
U.S. Citizen, first-generation, parents from Pakistan, married another Pakistani, who is now a U.S. citizen. Being hired by the State Department for Top Secret position involving south Asia. Traveled to Pakistan/Afghanistan, ethnic and language abilities, DSS says my background clearance would take awhile, what do you think? Any insights? |
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Hamid (Denver) on October 22, 2010 at 7:13pm
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Ron (California):
DSS recommends surrendering a foreign passport to the security officer who processes your clearance application. The security officer should lock it away somewhere, so that he/she can return it to you when you ask for it. Of course the security manager would have to report that the passport was returned to you and your clearance would be immediately revoked. I think you are confusing the “Foreign Preference” issue with the “Foreign Influence” issue. Possession of a foreign passport and foreign citizenship are “Foreign Preference” concerns. Contact with foreign nationals and having close relatives and friends in foreign countries is a “Foreign Influence” concern. Depending on your situation, you may have to mitigate both issues. You need to read my other article on “Dual Citizenship and Security Clearances,” which is also posted on this website. |
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William Henderson on October 13, 2010 at 9:51pm
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William,
Excellent articles. I have been hired by a defense contractor. They want me to get a secret security clearance. I was born in Ireland and became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. five years after moving here.
I do hold both a U.S. and an E.U. passport. If I surrender my E.U. what is the likelihood of me getting the clearance? How do you go about surrendering a foreign passport during this process?
Thank you! |
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Ron (California) on October 10, 2010 at 5:52am
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DCAR (DC),
In my opinion, your TS should not be denied. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on October 5, 2010 at 12:15pm
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Sam (Everett, WA),
The US constantly reviews all foreign countries regarding the risk to US national security. These reviews drive the investigative efforts to ensure that only dependable and reliable individuals who are loyal to the US are granted security clearances.
As part of the investigative process, you will undoubtedly be questioned about your friends and relatives living outside the US, frequency of contact (mail, telephone, email), whether you send money to them, their travel to the US and verification of your travel to foreign countries. These investigative efforts will make your investigation longer than the average.
Then the investigation will be reviewed by an adjudicator to make the determination regarding your eligibility. Based on the information that you provided, I do not see strong evidence to deny your eligibility. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on October 5, 2010 at 12:13pm
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William, I have been reading through your blogs and postings and they have been a great help.
I was recently hired for my dream job, but am really scared that I won't get my interim clearance based on the following things:
1) My parents are citizens of Poland but have been US Permanent Residents since 1976. They have not left the US since I was born (1985) and have no plans to do so in the future. They have no personal or financial ties abroad. I made sure to state this in the comments section on the e-QIP.
2) My former boss is a German citizen/US Permanent Resident. I was informed by my FSO to go ahead and list him in the Foreign Contact section. I made sure to state in the comments that our relationship was only professional and had frequent contact with him only because of the job. I also listed my grandparents who were Polish citizens and US Permanent Residents. I had frequent contact with them until they died in 2006.
I was born and raised in the US. I have no foreign ties or interests abroad. All of my other extended family who live in the US are either natural-born US citizens or naturalized US citizens. The only time I traveled outside the US in the past 7 years was a 2-day business trip to Canada in 2008.
I made sure to list all this mitigating information in the comments on the e-QIP in every available space. Do you think this will make a difference? Do I have a chance of getting an interim or should I just give up?
Thank you. |
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Terrified (SC) on October 5, 2010 at 11:16am
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Thank you for answering my initial question Mr. Henderson. Great site you have. I am currently in the process of interviewing for a position with a DOD contractor for a position that requires an 'SBI' clearance. The HR lady wasn't able to provide much insight.
I have googled it extensively and all I come up with is 'Special Background Investigation' some jobs with different companies list it as TS/SBI SCI. What kind of clearance is it? SSBI stands for Single Scope Background Investigation I understand required for all TS clearances, SBI?
Based on my background, ie. parents being foreign nationals(Luxembourg) living abroad being a naturalized US citizen married to a US citizen could I obtain such a clearance? Thank you very much for the insight you provide. |
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Rick (Indiana) on September 28, 2010 at 10:47pm
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I am a naturalized US citizen, and my mother is a foreign national from the Caribbean, but has lived here over 20 years. she and her husband are recently in the works of applying for citizenship, and all her children (my half siblings) are US citizens... in short, all her interests are here in the US.
The thing is she is a self-employed accountant who is providing accounting services to the Dominican consulate office in her state.
Will this be a problem in obtaining a TS clearance? I currently hold an interim secret. |
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DCAR (Washington, DC) on September 28, 2010 at 7:48pm
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I have some questions if you can answer them plz
1- I came to the states with another countries air force to study and I stayed here AWOL and now I am citizen. Can I get clearance
2- My passport expired long time before i become citizen and never renew it, I even return back before I become citizen
3- I travel 3 times outside the states in the last 13 years one my dad die, and one my Mom die and one I took my son to see the country and all by using American passport and paying for visa.
4- because I did AWOL i do not need to do jail time as long as I pay them all the cost, I am still paying until now, is this another thing that will prevent me from the security clearance
5- I am married here from American woman and I have a son and step son, we've been together for almost 12 years
6- I have brothers and sisters live in that country and aunts and uncles and cousins, it is not my choice for them to be there, but they are there.
What is my chances for clearance? By the way the country is Jordan. Thanks |
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Sam (Everett, washington) on September 26, 2010 at 10:18am
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@Bill
Thanks Bill. I spoke to the recruiter and I have an interview with the hiring manager next week. She said it should not be a problem. I am familiar with JPAS. My info is in there so if they want to look at past investigations, then they will see that I have the TS/SSBI.
Thanks389 |
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Carl (VA) on September 25, 2010 at 3:57am
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Carl (VA),
Generally, the recruiters and HR people do not care about your family situation. They are probably checking with their security office for the clearance level that meets the job/contract requirements. If you were granted a clearance after your marriage and all appropriate investigative and adjudicative efforts were done, your eligibility as shown in JPAS should be accurate and that is what the security office is checking. Providing information about your spouse is not necessary during your recruitment/hiring process, but it can’t hurt. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on September 23, 2010 at 10:30am
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searching (philippines):
If you have a security clearance question, I'll try to answer it. |
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William Henderson on September 21, 2010 at 9:10pm
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I have a DoD TS/SSBI for about a year now, I got it when I was married and I have been married to a Chinese National who is almost a citizen. I got a secret while married to her and a TS. Interview in a few months. I am currently being interviewed and considered for contract jobs for a defense contractor. None of the recruiters or hiring managers have ask me about foreign contacts but I know this is important because my current customer mention that it could but not always affect me. I did how ever let the recruiter know so that I would not be in a bad spot or with out employment. Did I do the right thing and what do you think can happen? |
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Carl (Reston, VA) on September 21, 2010 at 8:56pm
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Rick (Indiana):
Applicants with immediate family member living outside the United States can be granted TS and even TS/SCI clearances. Your parents in Luxembourg don't appear to present a "hightened risk" of foreign influence. But read the article for other factors. |
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William Henderson on September 19, 2010 at 3:08pm
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I am a naturalized US citizen and married to a US citizen. I am currently in the process of looking for a job and have applied with a couple DOD agencies, contractors and the CIA. Nearly all the positions require a clearance, some require TS, one SBI and then there is the CIA. My parents live in Luxembourg and I visit them a few times a year. They're retired and never worked for the government or had any high level connections. I have no siblings. With having immediate foreign relatives (parents) living abroad can I obtain the necessary clearances? I am also unsure if I currently hold dual citizenship if I do I would be willing to renounce it. Thank you. |
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Rick (Indiana) on September 16, 2010 at 9:31pm
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Im 31, us citizen, married to us citizen, one child. We have been religious missionaries overseas for six years. Im fluent in a foreign language and learning another. I am interested in applying to work for the US gov't (preferably in the IC) in maybe a year or two. There is not a drop of crime or drug use in my background. Without joining the military first (age) what are my chances of being hired? |
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searching (philippines) on September 11, 2010 at 12:30am
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Worried Patriot:
A lot depends on your spouse’s financial, business, and property interests in Japan, as well as her past foreign employment and the employment (past and present) of her immediate family members in Japan. Simply having in-laws in Japan doesn’t create a “hightened risk” but having relatives in Japan with ties to one of their intelligence agencies or a high position in the Japanese government can.
Significant financial interests in Japan can create a potential conflict of interest. Her intent to become a US citizen is good, but it would be better if she started the process. Absent any of these complications, I think you have a reasonably good chance of being granted a TS/SCI. I recommend you read my article on “Employment Suitability Versus Security Clearance” posted at this website. |
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William Henderson on September 9, 2010 at 8:59pm
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Jon Hollister (Fairfax Virginia):
I’m not exactly sure what’s going on but it sounds like your okay until 2/11, at least for jobs with SCI sensitivity levels equal to or lower than the one you were cleared for. Apply for any job that interest you and indicated that you were granted TS/SCI eligibility by DOD in 2/10. If a prospective employer expresses interested in you, you can explain your exact situation then. Normally the DOD agency involved can not maintain your clearances as “active” without an employment relationship of some type. In your case they may be carrying you as an active employment candidate and therefore able to keep your clearance active as long as their HR rules permit them to do so—hence the one year time period. |
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William Henderson on September 9, 2010 at 8:44pm
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Mr. Henderson,
My wife is Japanese and we met when I was stationed in Japan and got married in 2003. We divorced in Feb. 2009 and her & my son went back to live in Japan, but we realized that was a mistake and remarried in July just a few months later. She ended up staying in Japan until July 2010 to help her family, because her father was ill. Just giving you the quick background on that.
Now we are doing great and I applied for a DOJ job that requires a TS/SCI. I have a current active SECRET clearance as a DoD contractor. How bad should I worry about my TS/SCI? Am I going to be unfavorable for this job? Also, if she started the paper work for US citizenship would that favor my eligibility? I greatly appreciate any advice you could give me on this. Thanks for taking the time to read this as well.
Worried Patriot |
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Joe (Nevada) on September 5, 2010 at 12:51pm
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Help! I'm in clearance limbo and have no idea what my current status really means with regard to my job search. At present I was adjudicated (2/2010) for TS/SCI by DOD. I was a direct hire candidate (not a contractor) and the position needed to be filled by another candidate due to the length of time it took my clearance to process. Now, the position is filled and I am cleared with no job. This was my first national level clearance and it was never technically activated (I was not sworn in by the agency, just adjudicated). I was advised by the agency that I may include a TS/SCI on my resume and and the adjudication date. In addition, I was advised that I would be placed on the cleared candidates list and my clearance would be valid only until Feb. 2011 if I do not use it.
Does anybody know how this clearance limbo will affect my job search? Should I still apply for TS/SCI jobs which indicate active clearance required? |
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Jon Hollister (Fairfax Virginia) on September 3, 2010 at 1:34pm
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I am in a relationship with a foreign national and have filled out standard FCQs on her, but they don't ask about the nature of the relationship at all. If we're serious enough to be talking marriage now, should I be reporting this differently somehow? Just put it on my PR when it comes up? |
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Bob (usa) on September 1, 2010 at 9:02pm
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Max (New Jersey):
If you want to work for an intelligence agency, you will need a TS/SCI clearance, not ordinary (collateral) TS clearance. The foreign influence criterion for SCI eligibility is more restrictive than for a collateral clearance. You situation is so complex that my opinion of your chance of getting TS/SCI would be no better than a WAG. The most important factor will probably be the agency's need for a person with your qualifications and skills. |
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William Henderson on August 21, 2010 at 5:49pm
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Cory (CA),
Marriage or cohabitation with a foreign national WILL affect your clearance/SCI eligibility. It makes no difference as to the country involved. Once you have reported this action to your FSO and they have passed it to the SCIF holding your access, the SCIF security office should initiate a background check on your spouse/cohabitant. If the background check is favorable and the SCIF verifies the need of your skills for the contract, a proper update of JPAS should be done. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on August 20, 2010 at 12:30pm
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I hope this isn't too silly a question, but i have been frequenting some eastern European dating sites and found two women i am very interested in. One from Russia, and one from Ukraine. I have to choose one unfortunately, and one i would have to bring her over and marry. This is all however tentative on my clearance. I have a TS SCI and I am a government contractor.
I'm all too familiar with the Russian espionage case a month or so ago, but assuming i go through the procedures from start to finish with my SSO verbatum and her family doesn't have anyone associated with military/political sorts, would i still be good to go on that?
Also, would a Ukrainian citizen differ from a Russian citizen?? I personally wouldn't think the Ukrainians had as much vested interest in us so much it would make them a risk country like the Russians would.
If i did everything that was asked of me, kept people in the loop as much as conceivably possible, could i pull this off? or would you just say ABORT completely, cut everything off, and stop while I'm ahead. |
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Cory (California) on August 18, 2010 at 1:18pm
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Kevin (State College),
You are correct to report this to the poly examiner. In my opinion, that should not preclude you from being granted a clearance eligibility. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on August 17, 2010 at 12:28pm
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Hi. I am considering applying to a certain intelligence agency upon graduating college in 2011, and I have no doubt that I would be excellent for this kind of job. Unfortunately, there are several factors which seem to play in my disfavor when I apply.
I am very extroverted, have traveled extensively, and have come to speak 5 languages fluently (working hard on that Arabic!). My parents are both naturalized US citizens, and I grew up here (living in Europe for 4 years).
However, I have also found myself in Yemen for 3 months and Egypt for one year, and I have a veritable armada of friends abroad, from almost every country imaginable. Not that I keep in contact with them, but I could easily reestablish contact if I wanted to. I have also been dating a foreign national (who grew up amongst the elite classes in Yemen) for the past 2 years.
I also have 2 non-American passports, in addition to my US one. I ask this question, of course, assuming that I will willingly surrender any information/documents necessary before the investigation even begins.
What, I ask you, are my chances of actually obtaining a TS clearance with this history? |
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Max (New Jersey) on August 15, 2010 at 3:35pm
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I am in the middle of a TS clearance process and have already met with my investigator 2 months ago. However, in the meantime I am getting my Masters in International Relations. The Dept was was looking for people that had extra space to allow international classmates to live with them. My fiance and I agreed to let a Kazak native live with us. I called my investigator to check if it was ok. He said it didn't matter in his investigation. However I am sure I will have to report it in an upcoming CI polygraph. Can this situation affect the outcome of my investigation? |
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Kevin (State College Pennsylvania) on August 12, 2010 at 11:27pm
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Clr (CA),
The fact that your in-law is not a US citizen should not stop a favorable TS/SCI adjudication. Unless there are indicators of undue influence or pressure, you should be okay. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on August 5, 2010 at 9:55am
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I am wondering if having a mother-in-law who is a UK citizen would get in the way of obtaining a TS-SCI clearance. Anyone have experience here? |
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clr (CA) on August 3, 2010 at 3:46pm
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Jonathan (Washington, DC):
There is only one unwaiverable/unmitigateable condition for a security clearance: Being an illegal user of drugs/addicted to drugs. All other security issues can be mitigated or a waiver can be obtained. The relative significance of an issue ranges from immaterial to minor to moderate to major depending on the totality of the circumstances surrounding the issue. |
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William Henderson on June 29, 2010 at 6:32pm
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Mark (San Diego):
Right now the SF86 stipulates that if both close/continuing contact AND a bond of affection, influence, or obligation exists the relationship should be reported. The new SF86 (approved in March 2010, but not yet implemented) adds the words "common interest." So, some social media contacts that were not previously reportable will be reportable in when the new SF86 is implemented. |
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William Henderson on June 29, 2010 at 6:18pm
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Mark (San Diego),
Add-on comments. I suggest you visit the following site/document for some guidance in this area. DSS is a public site, no logon/password is needed. Your company security officer should be addressing social networking sites in their annual security briefing for cleared employees. Remember – elicitation can be for Defense info or industrial info – so be careful WHAT you tell “friends” on these sites. http://www.dss.mil/isp/count_intell/documents/CI-Elicitation.pdf |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on June 29, 2010 at 10:02am
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Mark (San Diego),
Facebook and other social networking sites can pose a problem. There are books, seminars and other training courses what give specifics on how “friends” can get through you to other “friends” who may not want to have their info available. Also, counter-intelligence experts say that these sites can be used by agents for creating intelligence networks for obtaining defense or industrial information. Therefore, you should be very careful about what personal information you provide on these sites regarding family, job duties, etc. Since I don’t use these sites, I can address specifics. But, in answer to your question, I do not think you need to report all of these contacts. Only those who may have some influence over you or have become personal friends (personal visits, travel to a foreign country, financial connections/ obligations, etc). |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on June 29, 2010 at 8:11am
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I wonder about my contacts in facebook. You get all these people wanting to be your friend for Mafia wars and Farming and such, and I just noticed many are from Turkey, and Australia, and England ... I don't really contact these people much, but I wonder, do I need to write a report for each person who is foreign and is a facebook friend? |
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Mark (San Diego) on June 24, 2010 at 6:17pm
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Army Contractor,
The fact that you have been in a relationship leading to an engagement could also affect your SCI access eligibility, especially if you have not reported this association/ engagement to your security office. If you have not done so, do it NOW. Normally, if your company and customer agree that your skills are greatly needed for the project you are working on; a waiver of the foreign influence guideline can be granted and documented in JPAS. This has been routine for the military adjudication facilities IF the investigation of the spouse/associate does not uncover additional issues such as association with certain groups. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on June 15, 2010 at 11:37am
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Does being involved with a foreign citizen (esp. Russian) automatically compromise my ability to obtain a TS clearance? |
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Jonathan (Washington, DC ) on June 14, 2010 at 4:28pm
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Pete12785:
Foreign travel per se is not a security issue. It’s what happens when you’re in foreign countries and meet foreigners that sometimes creates a security issue. Many people spend an entire year working as an ESL teacher in ROK (or other countries) and return to the US without having created any security concerns. The only negative would be that it might take a little longer to conduct their background investigation, because it is necessary to corroborate/verify their activities in a foreign countrly. On the other hand they sometimes become very closely bound to a few foreign citizens; wittingly or unwittingly get involved in criminal activity; get involved in foreign financial or business matters; have innocent contact with a foreign intelligence or security official; etc.. The identity and nationality of the company or government agency that employs them as an ESL teacher can also create a concern.
If you want to spend a year in ROK teaching English, go for it. Just be careful over there and if you get to know other US citzens over there, get the stateside address & phone number, so you can use them as a reference when they get home. |
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William Henderson on June 10, 2010 at 5:21pm
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I'm currently a contractor for the Army w/ a TS/SCI. Recently I became engaged to a Peruvian National who has been a U.S. permanent resident for over 15 years. He applied for U.S. citizenship back in 2007 but was denied due to his criminal record. He's been told he can reapply in 3 years from his last offense date if he's married to a U.S. citizen. My concern is if we get married before he becomes a citizen I will potentially lose my clearance. Could his past attempt to get naturalized along with any current attempt help to mitigate this? |
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Army Contractor on June 10, 2010 at 2:13pm
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Hello,
I am a current graduate student of International Affairs and am expected to graduate by December 2010. I am a US citizen, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I have a question regarding foreign travel and obtaining the security clearances necessary for work with the federal government in an analysis, intelligence capacity. After graduation, I am considering either teaching English abroad in South Korea for a year or even volunteering in Morocco for 1-3 months. However, would doing so hurt chances of obtaining those kinds of government positions? Any feedback would be great. Thank-you. |
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pete12785 (New York, New York) on June 9, 2010 at 12:12pm
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NOVA (NOVA):
Sure, there is a chance of keeping the clearance. There is also the chance of losing the SCI. |
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William Henderson on June 8, 2010 at 4:19pm
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NOVA,
If you fail to report this relationship, the consequences are probable loss of your TS/SCI (and possibly loosing your job). If you have not reported that relationship, I would run (not walk) to your security office and provide the information. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on June 8, 2010 at 11:59am
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What would be the consequences for an individual with a TS/SCI FSP, working for the CIA, who is dating a Chinese national? Is there any chance of keeping the clearance? |
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NOVA (NOVA) on June 5, 2010 at 12:09am
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Marylander (MD):
A "Notice of Proposed Action" is for an adverse employment suitability determination, not for a security clearance denial. Sorry I can’t provide a referral, but in your state there are tons of lawyers with experience in federal labor law. |
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William Henderson on May 25, 2010 at 9:02pm
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Marylander (MD),
I feel it would be inappropriate to recommend a specific attorney to help you with your situation. I will suggest that you search the internet for something like “security clearance lawyer, Maryland”. That should get you a list of attorneys in Maryland who have experience or specialize in national security law or the security clearance process. Some may have websites with redacted cases they have worked on to give you an idea of their experience. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on May 25, 2010 at 12:23pm
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Received a Notice of Proposed Action and need to respond in 30 days. Can you recommend a lawyer or someone who can assist me write my response without bankrupting me? Thanks. |
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Marylander (MD) on May 23, 2010 at 11:36pm
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Hello,
I am curious as to what is involved in investigating foreign contacts and travels, and how long it takes to process their examination. On my S-86, I listed 15 contacts, including parents. It has been over five months since I entered adjudication (IC), and am curious whether I should anticipate further delays. |
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Foreign_ridden (Philadelphia) on April 16, 2010 at 4:30pm
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Mr. Henderson, I sponsored my Russian girlfriend entry into USA and visited her four times in Russia within the past 4 years. All of this was reported to my security office. My TS was recently upgraded to SCI and I had much to explain. But I did explain and still have my SCI and TS. My TS reinvestigation is next year. Do you think I can lose my TS?
I am also considering to bring her back to USA and for us to get married but am very concerned that this will result in the loss of my TS and my SCI. Is there any real way I can mitigate the foreign influence concerns? None of her family works for the Russian government. If I broke all contact with her, would this even help my situation? I am very worried and would really appreciate your assistance with this. |
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Mike (Washington DC) on March 22, 2010 at 8:37pm
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William (nc):
There really isn’t anything you can do to make the process easier. I thought that clearances for Air Marshals was handled by TSA, not DOS.
I’m also not sure what you mean by “banned” country. Every foreign country is evaluated according to the risk it presents for possible threat of foreign exploitation. I don’t know how Uganda rates in terms of security threat. You eligibility for a collateral TS clearance will be based on the potential for foreign influence, whether Uganda presents a “heightened” risk of foreign exploitation, and whether there is anything that indicates a conflict of interest between your future obligation to protect classified information and your perceived desire to help foreigners.
See my article on “Foreign Influence and Security Clearances” at http://www.clearancejobs.com/cleared-news/54/foreign-influence-and-security-clearances. |
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William Henderson on March 11, 2010 at 6:25pm
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Engineer,
Yes, you should list all foreign connections that fall into the criteria requested. Explain all aspects of the association/relationship, frequency of contact, date of last contact, types of contact (personal, telephone, email, etc). In most cases, you will be interviewed to clarify the info you provide on the form. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on January 26, 2010 at 11:48am
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I am a naturalized citizen and currently hold a secret clearance. I will be applying for a top secret and I have received a foreign contact form. The instructions are not clear. It reads to list people which are associated (strong bond or unless you still feel bound to her by affection, obligation, or influence.) I have worked with an englishman during a former internship and also kept in contact until a year ago with a former boyfriend. I have no desire on keeping contact with former boyfriend since I am afraid that it could cost me my TS. Should I list them both (englishman and former boyfriend on the foreign contact form)? |
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Engineer on January 2, 2010 at 10:32pm
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I received my dream job offer from the DNI, and have been through both the medical and poly. I am confident that I should have no problem obtaining clearance, because I already have a TS. But, I am in a relationship with a foreigner whom I cohabitate with. He is an employee of the American government at DoD. He has family, friends, and contacts in numerous countries. He is in the process of divorcing his wife (they have been separated legally), and he has two children in his home country. Additionally, the nature of his job puts him in contact with a lot of foreigners.
I am worried that he is going to be an obstacle to my clearance. I am esriously considering asking him to move out. Do you think it would be possible to obtain my clearance while we are still living together? |
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Worried (Washington, DC) on December 16, 2009 at 8:49am
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I have lived in Japan for three years and in China for just over one year. My best friend for the past six years is a naturalized multi-citizen of the US/UK/Taiwan (born in Hong Kong) living in London. My partner (unmarried), who I share an apartment with, is a Chinese national (and, unfortunately, a member of the communist party and an employee of a state-owned enterprise). I am applying to work as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Dept. which requires a Top Secret clearance. Do I even have a chance of being granted a clearance with my situation? |
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J Johnson (Beijing) on October 15, 2009 at 9:37am
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Confused,
You raise several questions that should be addressed. First, you should NOT be denied interim/final clearance eligibility based solely on your ethnic background. You could be denied an interim eligibility based on the adjudicative guidelines regarding frequent travel to a foreign country and a close relative who recently worked for a foreign government. These issues require investigation. Agencies differ in how they process interim determinations. Some agencies will review an individual’s SF 86/eQIP and discuss these issues, and any others that surface, prior to making the interim determination. Some agencies will deny the interim and pass the form to OPM/investigators to look into the issues. Some agencies will take into consideration what skills you bring to the organization. Your sister’s clearance will have no effect on your application as you are different people working for different agencies. The bottom line is that the national security is the paramount determinant in eligibility determinations. If an agency has any doubt on any issue that can not be cleared up easily, they will deny the interim. Good luck. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on October 15, 2009 at 9:02am
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Scared (Ny)
Your situation could be a caused for concern for employers and security personnel. Some of the factors in your situation include how close the contact is (living together, sharing bank accounts, etc); the country of origin of the other person; and the occupation of the other person. For example, dating a citizen of Sweden who sells Volvos would probably not be a significant problem. However, cohabitating with a citizen of North Korea who works at the North Korean section at the U.N. would be looked at more thoroughly. Investigators and adjudicators will be looking at all of these factors during the investigation and adjudication processes. |
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Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) on October 15, 2009 at 8:43am
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Hi,
I am applying for jobs that require a security clearance. I have had a serious relationship with a man who has lived in the US for 8 years on a work visa, and have had intimate relationships with other foreigners one of whom I am still in contact with. Will this hurt my chances for a security clearance. |
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scared (Ny) on September 21, 2009 at 10:08pm
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I am born and raised in America but my background is from Bangladesh. My mother is a naturalized citizen. Everyone else in my family was born in the US. I have many relatives in Bangladesh who I visit often (especially recently since my Grandma had a stroke). Many of them have Greencards and visit the US yearly too.
My main concern is that my grandma's first cousin, who is close to our family, was the Temporary LameDuck Caretaker for the Bangladesh Government not too long ago. He currently resides in the States now.
I am trying to get an interim clearance so I am worried that I will be denied (meaning I will lose the job too) because they will want to do more investigation.
My sister however is in the FBI with a TS Clearance. We have all the same relatives and foreign ties, and as she was granted the highest level of clearance, it proves that our family's ties are not a security concern in the least bit.
Would they be able to reference my sister's clearance and grant me mine? Is that allowed?
Because this job is contingent upon the interim, I think it would be unfair to deny someone just because they need more time to investigate because of their parent's ethnic background.
Is it possible to grant an interim clearance and then do investigation on it afterwards, seeing if the chances of danger are slim? Or are they super careful on this issue so that they wouldn't even think to grant an interim without fully investigating first. |
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confused on September 18, 2009 at 1:58am
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I am a recent college grad and I am trying to get a federal job. My husband is a naturalized U.S. citizen but his parents only have resident status. Will this cause my security clearance to be rejected? Also, if he wanted to get a federal job would he be able to? |
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Bonnie (Virginia) on March 19, 2009 at 12:49pm
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As quoted in the article:
For first- and second-generation immigrants, employment with the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) is often out of reach.
I am a first generation Chinese American, who came to the US at the age of 3. I was naturalized when my parents were naturalized in 1971. An aspect of Chinese immigration in the US that many Americans are not aware of is that the immigration pattern has the male arrive to the US first, and then send for their families when he's established. Also, the Chinese were the only ethnic group that were legally barred from entering the US and to become US citizens. This law was finally struck from legislature in 1948.
My great grand father arrived in the US in the 1910's, then he sent for my grand father who arrived in the 1940's. My grand father served in the US Army during WW 2 (along with numerous cousins). After his service, he sent for his wife (my grand mother and his son, my uncle). My uncle served in the US Army during Vietnam, and has worked in the US Post Office his entire career. He has been and still is an officer with his local American Legion.
With this family background, I feel that I am as American as any other ethnic group. I came here when I was 3, and have known no other country but the United States. I have applied to the CIA and FBI, and was dropped (after going through the process, i.e., interviews, psych, medical, polygraph) due to security concerns because I have one Aunt and Cousin (in Hong Kong, a US friendly territory). This doesn't seem fair. I would like to know anyone's opinion. |
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First Generation (NJ) on January 9, 2009 at 11:25am
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Well, I was one that had a clearance, lets say it was high but that has changed. I became involved with a foriegn national. She was and still is in my heart. Yes we fell in love and following procedures with aproval I went to vist her. On my return Ii was told to stop all contact. I did as I was told. My clearance was down graded and now fourteen months later retiring I made contact once again. She was waiting and we were to be married. I found myself in a position that I had to get back in the work force but it looks impossible. No one wants to deal with it and even if I broke off our engagement it wouldn't matter. There are a lot of details that have been omitted but you get the picture. Matters of the heart are best kept out of the IC. The regulations are tough and for the time slow to change. Some way I must make our dreams come true. Thanks for the hear. |
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Robert C Posey (Brightwood Virginia) on October 31, 2008 at 8:40am
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As forcasted in this article, the SCI eligibility requirement that disqualified anyone with non-US citizen immediate family members was eliminated on 1 October 2008 when the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) issued Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) Number 704, “Personnel Security Standards And Procedures Governing Eligibility For Access To Sensitive Compartmented Information And Other Controlled Access Program Information.” ICD 704 rescinds DCID 6/4.
For over 18 months, DNI Mike McConnell has promised to break down the barriers to employment in the intelligence community faced by first- and second-generation immigrants. ICD 704 fulfills that promise by removing the SCI eligibility requirement that an applicant’s immediate family members be US citizens. |
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William Henderson on October 28, 2008 at 11:16am
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I had a neighbor who attended the USAF Academy, served for 6 years as an officer in the USAF...then had trouble getting clearance for DHS work as his grand father was English! |
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Steve (DC) on September 24, 2008 at 8:50pm
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I applaud the efforts of the United States making sure that people who work within the IC community are of no threat to international security issues. Remembering the issues of documents being stolen between the FBI and the CIA back in 1986-87, those people were trusted and sold their trust to other countries to help them get out of debt. Also, I feel that the U.S government should look at the situation in Germany; it’s extremely hard for spouses to gain employment over here because of the SOFA Agreement between the U.S and Germany. The U.S. has to keep a certain amount of local nationals employed in order for our bases to remain here, and these German Nationals hold very important jobs, which gives them access to the government portal. Of course the nationals are not allowed to work Intel jobs, but who's to say that they aren't compiling information through the government portals or even hacking into them to get Intel information? A desperate person will do what it takes to get what they want. So while the Americans are jobless and their economy is falling, the German economy is boosting.
I feel that the government should not allow people who have married people outside their country to obtain jobs in the IC, if this is the way it should be then they need to look at all the people in the military that go overseas and come back with wives from other countries who have clearances to Intel information. It would shock you if you seen how much American money is being spent in other countries while our government watches the rest of us suffer. |
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Lisa Lakotich (Germany Ramstein Air Base) on September 19, 2008 at 9:33am
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My 2 cents: I am an immigrant and feel that my patriotism for the United States is probably more mature than that of many born Americans because I made the conscious decision to become a citizen of this country rather than getting born into it.
Granted, there are probably many people who don't share my sentiment and become citizens for economic reasons. I just didn't want my kind to be dismissed in this discussion.
I do however agree with Mr. Spindler: the only real hurdle of naturalizing here is the paper work (which can be painstaking).
Lastly, I want to say that I do not believe in dual citizenship which is a supported concept by several foreign countries, just not the U.S.A. It takes away from one's credibility and genuineness. |
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Roland (Virginia) on September 18, 2008 at 8:49am
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We should all be grateful; and I do agree that most of us, Americans are jobless right now. My point is that if you reach a certain level of clearance, you should be trusted and if you still have family overseas; this does not mean that you will be disloyal to the country you consider yours, especially if you came at a young age.
If your salary is base on your clearance level and not on you experience or credentials, then there is something wrong with the system and it is not fair for the American’s that were not born in the US because they had nothing to do with it. I believe in the U.S. Constitution and everyone should be given a chance until proven otherwise. |
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John Patu (California ) on September 15, 2008 at 1:02pm
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I doubt that an American immigrating to my native country of Switzerland would ever qualify for a security clearance. It would take them 12 years just to become a citizen there. I doubt that there are many countries as trusting as the U.S. is of its immigrants. |
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Max Spindler (Alexandria) on September 11, 2008 at 2:17am
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Speaking as a first generation immigrant the U.S. is my only country, but the numbers regarding the divided loyalty question does not lie. This is a fact of life. I just have to accept the fact that I will not get the highest level clearance and do the best I can for my adopted country. I am thankful for all I have been blessed with here. |
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Francis Hall (Daly City, California) on September 10, 2008 at 12:20pm
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