The CIA will only hire people with impeccable credentials to be a translator. 'Impeccable credentials' means you've never lived outside the United States.
This quote highlights a paradox in the hiring standards of intelligence agencies. It suggests that having a narrow or insular background is seen as a mark of reliability, possibly implying that true understanding or loyalty might be questioned if someone has lived abroad. It raises questions about biases in credentialing and the assumptions about authenticity and trustworthiness. The idea challenges us to consider how cultural and experiential diversity is viewed in roles demanding high security and confidentiality, and whether such standards truly serve the most effective intelligence work.