Foreign policy & defense
security clearance
An authorization allowing access to classified information after a background investigation. Access also requires a need to know for the specific material.
In full
Clearances are granted at levels matching classification tiers, following an investigation of finances, foreign contacts, criminal history, and personal conduct, with periodic reinvestigation. A clearance alone does not entitle the holder to any particular information. Denials and revocations are handled administratively with limited judicial review.
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