Security Clearance Chinese American

Hey guys - what are my chances of getting a security / top secret security clearance if I’m an American citizen (grew up here) with American citizen parents who are immigrants from China. Both parents work in the US defense industry. I am staunchly pro American and highly patriotic, and have always been super interested in the A&D sector (advanced technology, smart people, large projects). Currently in PE but thinking about potentially transitioning to industry long term in a business role. Thanks!

Region
5 Comments
 

Relevant here would be (among others) 32 CFR 147.4

It makes a difference whether you only have access to classified information or whether you would actively work in certain roles within the government.
Fill out the form for this and see what they say after running their checks.

Nobody here on WSO would be able to answer the question, it is a highly individual situation.

 

I don't see how there would be a problem. They will ask to fill out the foreign disclosure form where you would have to list any potential contact, business, or ownership. The interesting part is that their citizenship isn't the deciding factor.

Cornell has a good source
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/32/147.4

Problems may come up if...
- you hold multiple citizenships
- foreign military service or more
- you are dating/married to/being exposed to certain contacts
- you own companies, shares, or similar in certain regions
- you or family have worked for certain governments before
 

this is often in relation to Russia, majority islamic countries, China, communist nations, etc

 

Thanks again! My concern was that the FBI (or whoever is in charge of granting clearances) would apply the rules in a way that is partial against those of my type of background, given the geopolitical sensitivity (which I understand from a risk mitigation standpoint). So was concerned that the way the decision is made in practice differs from the letter of the law.

 
Most Helpful

Id dolores molestiae facere soluta. Impedit ullam sit natus iure enim repellat. Dolorum sit sed dolores. Dolores nam sed reiciendis quam ut. Quo aut repellat iste suscipit. Alias molestiae vitae est sit minima temporibus esse assumenda. Voluptas quae dolores voluptate nesciunt non.

Eaque eum quis amet non. Ullam minus sunt veniam saepe. Quae voluptates ipsum libero cumque. Dolores corporis numquam hic est in veritatis provident.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”