Does every U.S. citizen have an FBI file?

Question

And likewise, do all Canadians have a secret service file?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I have recently been fingerprinted for a secret clearance and was told that that created an FBI file on me.

Answer 2

I doubt very much that every US citizen has an FBI file.  There's probably more than one would think, but everyone?  Not likely unless you are one of those conspiracy theory folks who are terrified that 'big brother' is always looking over their shoulder.  As far as Canadaians go I can safely say 'no'.  Any 'files' in Canada would be for CSIS (similar to the CIA) or RCMP (similar to FBI + more).  Again, we can never be sure of who has their name and details in a 'file', but usually only Canadians who have ever had their fingerprints taken or were considered a potential security 'threat' normally are are file.  Cheers!!

Answer 3

lol no, I don't think so.

But then again, who knows.

Answer 4

No.

The FBI opens a file on you only when they have reason to, not for everyone in the country.

If you have an FBI file it's because either the FBI has investigated you, or because you've had a background check run for Federal employment or Federal security clearance, or some types of licenses.

The FBI also maintains a database of criminal convictions submitted to them by the States. If you have been convicted of a crime by a State court, and that crime was reported to the FBI, then they have a record that it exists - but that is merely a reference to the existence of a STATE file, not an FBI file in itself. There is, in the USA, no single national database of criminal records, and people do not have a single "criminal record".

Richard

Answer 5

Nervous about something that we might want to know about?