There are many different jobs in the United States government that require the handling of confidential information. In order to work with this information, federal employees must receive special security clearance. Because national security is of the utmost importance, there are many factors that federal employers consider before awarding clearance to classified information. However, they can still make mistakes with awarding, suspending, or revoking an individual's clearance, which can lead to an appeal with the security clearance review board.

Executive Order 10450, created in April of 1953 by President Eisenhower, called for each federal department and agency that worked with sensitive materials to form their own security service and clearance programs. It replaced a similar order made by President Truman. These programs were created to award clearance to the correct people as well as protect national security and placed a lot of accountability on federal department heads.

Some people need clearance in order to perform their job. However, these security offices are responsible for balancing this need with the protection of national security. Because national security is of utmost importance, the security programs are allowed to examine many different aspects of a person's life before awarding clearing them for access to secure information. Some factors considered when determining whether or not to award security clearance include:

• Financial background and status


• Psychological condition


• Loyalty to other nations or governments


• Tendency to drink alcohol


• Ability to protect secure information

If your job changes or you get laid off, you can have your access to certain information or places revoked or suspended. However, this should not take the place of a disciplinary action. When you have your security status revoked or suspended, you should be awarded due process, or the standardized treatment by law for the examining of such cases. In general, you should receive a notice in writing regarding your security clearance suspension or revocation and the reasons for this decision. You should be allowed to appeal this decision, and if approved, bring your case before the security clearance review board, where your appeal will be reviewed.

In most instances, cases with the security clearance review board can be difficult to navigate. If you are facing an appeal with the security clearance review board, you should contact an attorney to help you stand up for your rights. To discuss your case, speak with an employment lawyer. The services of an attorney can empower your case, improving your chances of receiving the justice you seek.