Can an applicant be denied citizenship due to national security reasons?

The correct answer is that an applicant can be denied citizenship if they are assessed to pose a threat to national security. This is grounded in the principles of maintaining national security and ensuring that individuals granted citizenship do not pose risks to the safety and well-being of the country. The U.S. government takes national security very seriously, and as part of the naturalization process, applicants undergo security screenings and background checks to evaluate any potential threats. If there is any credible evidence suggesting that the applicant's presence in the country could jeopardize national security, they may not be granted citizenship.

The other options do not address the comprehensive security evaluation process that is applied to all applicants. The denial of citizenship is not limited to those with a prior criminal record or to applicants from specific countries, emphasizing the importance of a broader assessment of the individual’s actions and associations rather than relying solely on past criminality or nationality.