With Russia’s aggression heating up some security clearance applicants may wonder if their Russian ties will put their clearance on ice. It’s a topic that has come up before for ClearanceJobsBlog visitors.
Security clearance prospects for industry applicants became clearer when SEAD 4 was signed in December of 2016. This update acknowledged that having dual citizenship or reaping the benefits of it alone, is not an issue or deal breaker for your cleared career.
Let’s unpack some of the implications today if you are seeking a security clearance job with dual citizenship.
I arrived to the USA in the early 90s from Russia, as a refugee with my family. My Russian citizenship was never revoked; nor I had to officially renounce it. My Russian passport expired back in the 90s. At about the same time I became a naturalized US citizen. From what I understand, I am still a dual citizen, although unintentional.
Now I am applying to a position that will require TS clearance with Poly and wondering whether this factor will disqualify me from the clearance.
Thank you very much in advance!
ADJUDICATIVE GUIDELINES
When adjudicators are evaluating your case, there are three guidelines in particular that would relate to Russian dual citizenship and if it would present as an issue: Guideline B: Foreign Influence, Guideline C: Foreign Preference, or Guideline L: Outside Activities. However, those handling your case will judge you based on the whole person concept, along with any mitigation measures you have carried out relating to each guideline that may be suspicious.
Foreign influence is a significant disqualifier in security clearance denials for naturalized citizens because the security clearance investigation will seek to ensure that your loyalty is with the US and you protecting classified information.
MITIGTING FACTORS
Determine if you actually hold foreign citizenship – sometimes documentation could tell you otherwise. If you find you are a dual citizen, be sure to avoid traveling on a foreign passport.
Other mitigating steps:
- Be honest: clearly explain your involvement or situation on any government forms you fill out.
- Cut financial ties: close bank accounts and sell real estate or businesses you own you own in your former country.
- Travel: try to avoid making a trip back to your home country.
- Renouncing citizenship: think long a hard before acting impulsively on this one and be sure to talk with a security officer first. Sean Bigley, security clearance attorney says, “Renunciation of citizenship is often a red flag that you are pursuing a security clearance and could make you a foreign government’s intelligence target.”
Dual citizenship doesn’t mean a no to security clearance. Many agencies are seeking professionals with foreign country expertise, and language knowledge, to add to their teams. However, renouncing citizenship is a long and complicated process. But all security clearance matters are, aren’t they.
