How likely is it that I can get a secret clearance (to become a 25S in the Army) if my parents are not US citizens and live in Mexico?

2017-06-19T20:13:15-04:00

They both were born and live on Mexico, I myself used to live there, but I was born here in the U.S and have lived here for 4 years now. Neither of them work or have worked for the mexican government, I want to enlist as a 25S but my recruiter is unsure whether I'd get the clearance or not. Any thoughts?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 8:15 PM

2017-06-19T20:15:16-04:00

You should be fine. Go ahead and enlist. Worst case scenario you get denied. I'm a 25s currently. If you decide to bite the bullet feel free to pm me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 8:18 PM

2017-06-19T20:18:50-04:00

SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" and LTC John Shaw, would yall know about this?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 8:22 PM

2017-06-19T20:22:45-04:00

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member Good luck. Below is some information that might help until an active duty expert weights in.

http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/security-clearance-jobs/security-clearance-eligibility.html

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil/directorates/dptms/myth_busterv2.pdf

Eligibility Guidelines for Gaining Security Clearance

How are you judged to be eligible for security clearance? Read up on the major guidelines that you should follow.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 19 at 2017 8:23 PM

2017-06-19T20:23:13-04:00

Nothing about your parents will come into play with regards to your clearance. Nothing they've done, said, or are. It's all on you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-06-19T21:56:14-04:00

I don't see an issue. My S-2 was from a former Soviet satellite country and her father was a 0-6 equivalent in the Russian Army. I had numerous Soldiers with security clearances that were naturalized Americans and their parents were not.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 20 at 2017 9:14 AM

2017-06-20T09:14:27-04:00

Your parents citizenship and/or current place of residence shouldn't have any affect on you. Had you not been a citizen however, then you'd have an issue to contend with. I had a buddy in my old unit who was from England (We called him "BDB" for Big Dumb Brit! LOL), and in order to have a security clearance he had to give up UK citizenship, but that was his only barrier.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 20 at 2017 1:21 PM

2017-06-20T13:21:47-04:00

In filling out the clearance paperwork and during the subsequent interview, be absolutely honest in answering every question. The one thing that sticks out to me immediately: were your patents or mother in the US legally when you were born?

An approving official evaluates every clearance application. Approving officials are normally senior officers with a lot of experience. They evaluate risk to the US of granting you a clearance. They are accountable for the decisions they make. I cannot say if any certain approving official would accept or decline your application solely for the facts you presented. It appears you are a Citizen with foreign connections. That in itself does not keep you from getting a clearance, but it may require a more in-depth interview and investigation. The real concern is the ability of a foreign military or other enemy to use your background against you or to blackmail you. If your association with Mexico is as innocent as you describe, then the approving official may grant the clearance.

Background note: I used to hold a Top Secret clearance with Special Compartmented Information. Lots of paperwork to get it! I also worked for a General Officer who was an approving official. He was careful and thorough, but fair.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 1:54 PM

2017-06-20T13:54:51-04:00

You could get one. It just depends on what the investigators find. As long as you list ALL foreign associations on your form you'll have a better chance. It MIGHT make your investigation take longer though because they have to go talk to these people.

I know there was a male soldier when I was in basic who was a holdover - because of his clearance. I believe his parents were Korean. I can't remember but still lived in South Korea. A lot of his family. Something along those lines. He had been a holdover at Leonardwood for almost a year when we went through basic. I don't remember the specifics but it had something to do with his family primarily living in Korea still. So be prepared for that if you really want to be a 25S or anything that needs a clearance.

Just be honest on the SF86 and they will let you know if you get one or not. If not it isn't the end of the world.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 9:12 AM

2017-06-21T09:12:45-04:00

As long as you are a United States citizen and are honest about everything when you apply for your security clearance then you shouldn't have a problem. If you hide it and they find out later then it can come back to bit you in the butt. The fact that your parents live in Mexico might delay the process a very slight amount, but nothing too much. Good luck!