Everyone should be subject to security checks and/or background investigations if the type of work they do actually calls for it.

Good security is security that is necessary and that actually makes sense. A security policy that requires US citizenship for non-classified work does not make a ton of sense. And how much sense does a security policy that requires airport screeners to be US citizens when no exception is made in favor of those non-citizens who serve or have served in the US Armed Forces?

It is already difficult enough to find US citizens who have both the technical capabilities and the desire to fill in the critical security positions. And this was before an association of Pacific professionals called for a boycott of the nation's government labs - Yes, Dr. Wen Ho Lee's treatment at the hands of the US DOJ did not go down well with many of us Asian Americans. The gratuitous citizenship requirement will simply make the lack of US citizens with the requisite requirements worse, create a competitive situation where these US citizens will be allocated in a way that is compatible with the newly created economic demand but not with actual security needs - Since when has Uncle Sam actually paid the prevailing wage for anyone's services?, and actually result in a DECREASE in security.

One last question: let's suppose there are Russian computer security experts working in the US. How would kicking them back to Russia increase our security, as opposed to keeping them totallly busy working for us? Peeing is great and healthy, but it's always a good idea to point one's dick in the right direction before peeing.

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Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/articles/367/11891#11891