Can only US citizens be granted a security clearance?

The correct answer reflects the fact that security clearances in the United States are generally restricted to U.S. citizens. This policy is rooted in the need to ensure that individuals accessing sensitive national security information have a strong allegiance to the United States. The process of granting security clearances involves extensive background checks, assessments of trustworthiness, and evaluations of various factors, which are easier to conduct for individuals who are citizens. U.S. law and regulations typically stipulate that only U.S. citizens can hold these clearances, which safeguards sensitive information and reflects national security interests.

While there are some special cases where non-citizens may be considered for access to certain types of classified information, such instances are rare and involve strict limitations and special processes approved by the appropriate authorities. Therefore, the general rule is that only U.S. citizens are eligible for security clearances.