兰德-解决双重国籍或归化公民对安全审查程序的常见问题和关切（英）

Addressing Common Questions and Concerns from Dual or Naturalized Citizens Regarding the Security Clearance ProcessStephanie J. Walsh | Sina Beaghley | David Stebbins | Theiline Pigott | Nikolay MaslovR E F E R E N C E D O C U M E N TApplicants for national security positions must navigate the federal personnel vetting process to adjudicate their eligibility for a security clearance. For individuals who are dual or naturalized citizens (D/NCs), the process may be more complex due to such factors as foreign citizenship, possession of a foreign passport, and extensive foreign connections. D/NCs often have language skills and cultural knowledge that are needed for national security work. However, D/NCs can be deterred from even applying for security clearances because of uncertainty about the citizenship requirements to obtain a clearance, the complex and sometimes confusing process, and perceptions regarding both lengthy processing times and a higher potential of rejection.This reference sheet is a summary of questions and answers for D/NC applicants about the security clearance process. The following information was developed from data collected and analysis conducted in 2025.11 Stephanie J. Walsh, Sina Beaghley, David Stebbins, Nikolay Maslov, and Theiline Pigott, Vetting of Dual Citizens and Naturalized Citizens for Service in the National Security Workforce: Addressing Complexities, Challenges, and Opportunities Related to the Personnel Vetting Process, RAND Corporation, RR-A3461-1, 2025.2Citizenship and Security ClearanceSecurity Clearance and Foreign ConnectionsQuestion: Why Does the U.S. Government Care About Foreign Contacts, Foreign Businesses or Activities, and Foreign Travel or Whether I Am a Dual or Naturalized Citizen?The U.S. government uses standardized criteria outlined in the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines of Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4) to determine whether you are eligible for a security clearance.2 The key factors include your allegiance to the United States; whether you have conflicting allegiances or divided loyalties; and whether you are vulnerable to pressure, manipulation, or coercion by a foreign government or another foreign entity. Details about foreign contacts, foreign travel, and citizenships help adjudicators (the officials who make clearance decisions) assess whether your activities or relationships could pose a risk to national security. Note that failure to fully report or disclose foreign ties and associations, as required, could disqualify you from eligibility. It is important to provide complete and accurate information in response to all questions in government forms (SEAD 4, Section 2(i), and Guidelines A, B, and C).2 Office of the Director of National Intelligence, “National Security Adjudicative Guidelines,” Security Executive Agent Directive 4, June 8, 2017.In no way should the information contained in this document be substituted for the U.S. National Security Adj