In an increasingly interconnected world, many federal employees and contractors have family, friends, or financial interests abroad. Under Adjudicative Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the government evaluates whether these ties create a risk of "vulnerability to coercion, exploitation, or pressure."
Dual Citizenship: Allegiance vs. Status
One of the most common myths is that you must renounce dual citizenship to hold a Top Secret clearance. In 2026, the focus has shifted from the status of your citizenship to your conduct.
Foreign Preference (Guideline C): Issues arise if you actively use a foreign passport, vote in foreign elections, or serve in a foreign military after obtaining your U.S. clearance.
Mitigation: Simply possessing dual citizenship is rarely a disqualifier today, provided you express a clear preference for the United States.
Foreign Contacts: The Disclosure Requirement
The government is concerned with "close and continuing" contact with foreign nationals. Failure to disclose these contacts on your SF-86 (e-App) is often treated as a Guideline E (Personal Conduct) violation—which is much harder to mitigate than the contacts themselves.
Mitigating Foreign Influence Concerns
To defend your clearance against a Guideline B Statement of Reasons (SOR), we focus on:
Nature of the Relationship: Proving the contact is casual and infrequent.
Deep Ties to the U.S.: Highlighting that your financial, social, and professional interests are overwhelmingly rooted in the United States.
Reporting Compliance: Demonstrating that you have been fully transparent with your Security Officer (FSO) regarding all foreign interactions.
If you have questions or concerns about your security clearance, contact the Security Clearance Professionals, at securityclearancepro.com, or asya@securityclearancepro.com, or call (904)884-5891.
