Another area that needs to be addressed, and that is equally important to understand, is the use of deemed foreign nationals (DFNs) that have access to restricted technology within Intel. DFN is the classification used to identify foreign nationals hired in the US. Generally DFNs are hired from US universities, but sometimes they are also hired from other US-based companies.

Intel has a significant population of DFNs from many restricted countries. When Intel hires a DFN, business groups have to take into account if that DFN is from an HPC country, a CC, or an Embargoed country. If a DFN is from a CC or an Embargoed country, an export license will need to be obtained when that person is hired. Since Intel generally hires DFNs for technical positions, an export license is automatically a requirement. In the event a DFN moves onto another job that may require access to restricted technology Intel avoids any delays by having an export license in place in the early stages of employment.

DFNs from an HPC country generally do not require the same level of scrutiny, due to the fact that the threshold of technology is much higher for an HPC country. In those rare cases where a DFN from an HPC country requires access to restricted technology beyond what an HPC country is allowed, then Intel has to obtain an export license.

Also note that when a DFN obtains permanent residency or becomes a US citizen, then an export license is no longer required. Obtaining permanent residency or US citizenship can take between three to seven years.

Obtaining credible background data on employees equivalent to what Intel can obtain in the US is also a challenge. In Asia, for example, a person can potentially pay to have damaging information removed from their records or to even add false information. Hiring foreign nationals in the US comes with additional challenges. Intel is still limited to the information provided by the country the foreign nationals come from. Competitive intelligence (a.k.a., espionage) and the insider threat have taken on a whole new meaning in the 21^st century.

The better-educated Intel employees are about the risks and mitigating strategies, the culture, how best to do business in restricted countries, the better Intel can deal with problems they may face when doing business in or with restricted countries.