Any country that was attack like the US that traditionally believed they were immune to such things would naturally react like the US regarding their foreign policy. However, working for the government I believe that many of the foreigners hired are under qualified. Not to say all of them. But I have dealt with many contractors that had no reason to be in IT. I have also worked with some that had the technical skills to work in the field.

As a government employee I don't get alot of the glamorous pay, but I get to see alot of the policies. The fact is EVERY single person, no matter what the race, should be investigated and should be able to obtain a Secret security clearance as a minumum. I know for a fact, (I repeat with emphasis: I KNOW for a FACT) that many foreign IT workers do not have clearances to work on projects they are assigned; however, they are cheap labor.

I agree that everyone should be checked. I also agree that not all americans are loyal. I agree that this country was founded by immigrants and they should be allowed to compete for jobs. But the fact is we must (as a country) demand qualified persons to work.

To qualify a work should:

1. Be a U.S. Citizen or working on citizenship

2. Be able to obtain a minimum or a Secret clearance

3. They must be qualified for their position. (I have seen people come straight out of college and be placed into an IT management job. Tell me their qualified no matter where they are from! Give me a break. Which leads to my next point.

4. They must have the NECESSARY experience to hold the position they applied for.

5. Corporations that take contracts must be willing to offer a competitive salary and the Government should be able to recognized the companys that underbid with the intent to provide substandard service.

6. There should be provisions in the contract to provide government specialist to verify that the work is to the expectation of the US people. A lot of project keep getting feed money and resources because they spent so much money for a substandard product before anyone had a clue that the project was doomed. And the government can't admit they wasted 3 billion dollars so they dump another 2 billion (just making up numbers) into the project trying to save something that should have never been permitted.

Let me summerize by saying security checks are good. So is the practie of hiring US citizen that are qualified. It is also okay to hire a qualified non-citizen as long as all security issues are met and they are the most qualified and not just cheap labor. Face it. Americans are good...but so are other countries. I'm an American, I'm proud of it. But let's put the country ahead of other agendas. Racial pride, who cares...We need QUALIFIED people with a relative assurance that the labor can be trusted. If that means people get fired...well damn it then because it was for a reason if they had a security check performed. If it means qualified Americans can get the job, then outstanding. If it goes to someone trying to come to this country, well then they obviously meet the standard and I'm all for that.

My biggest pet peev working for the government is working for / with people that are just plain to stupid to have their job regardless of where they are from. I'm not saving people shouldn't be given a chance, but I've had to work to my position so should everyone else. I can't say it enough: YOU MUST BE QUALIFIED! In ALL areas. Not just knowledge. Not just security. Not just because you're the cheapest labor. Etc, etc, etc. That's my point, let's be fair and realistic people.

[ reply ]

Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/articles/367/11896#11896