When applying for a security clearance, the presence of foreign relatives is a factor that agencies consider. The main concern revolves around the potential for foreign influence or conflict of interest. During the security clearance application process, you will be required to disclose information about your foreign relatives, including their country of residence, occupation, and relationship to you. This scrutiny aims to assess any risks that might arise due to divided loyalties or potential coercion by foreign entities.
One ClearanceJobsBlog subscriber was asking if having foreign relatives was an immediate red flag:
I got the Contingent Offer of Employment (COE) and submitted the SF-86 at the end of last month, and I am a naturalized U.S. citizen. However, I read lots of posts that said foreign parents (still in China, but in the green card process) would be a red flag for the process, and it is highly possible to deny TS. Is that so? Anyone has a similar situation?
Are Your Foreign Relatives a Red Flag?
Having foreign relatives alone is not necessarily a red flag. Income, property ownership, or loyalty ties to China could be a concern.
Transparency is crucial when disclosing information about foreign relatives. Omitting or falsifying details can lead to the denial of your security clearance or even legal consequences. The evaluating agency will conduct a thorough background check, which includes verifying your provided information. Any discrepancies or attempts to hide relationships can be seen as a red flag, indicating a lack of trustworthiness. It’s better to be upfront about these connections and provide context as necessary to demonstrate that they do not pose a security threat.
Maintaining a clear record of your interactions with foreign relatives can be beneficial depending on the country of origin. Documenting the nature and frequency of your communications can help illustrate that the relationships are benign and not susceptible to exploitation. Being proactive in addressing potential concerns can improve your chances of receiving a security clearance.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide a comprehensive and honest picture of your situation, allowing adjudicators to make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
We live in a global, connected, world and many people have hopes of moving to the US and finding a job. Your foreign contacts, influence or preference are all evaluated under the whole person concept through this process. So, having investments or dealings with China’s government may be a red flag. But foreign parents alone is not.
