Summary
A 52-year-old electrical engineer and U.S. citizen for over 21 years was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons noted that his father, three sisters, father-in-law, and brother-in-law are citizens and residents of Iran, and his wife is an Iranian citizen residing in the United States.
To mitigate these concerns, the applicant renounced his Iranian citizenship and destroyed his Iranian passport. He also confirmed he has no financial interests in Iran and maintains limited contact with his family there, communicating infrequently and only during holidays.
The administrative judge concluded that the applicant's actions and circumstances did not pose a security risk. Specifically, the judge found that the applicant's family members in Iran are not in positions that would create a heightened risk of coercion or pressure, and his renunciation of Iranian citizenship, destruction of his passport, and limited family contact effectively mitigated the initial security concerns. The security clearance was granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant renounced his Iranian citizenship and destroyed his Iranian passport.
- He maintains limited contact with his family in Iran, communicating infrequently and only during holidays.
- The applicant's family members in Iran are not in positions that would create a heightened risk of coercion or pressure.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family MemberThe applicant has family members who are citizens and residents of Iran.
- AG ¶ 10(a)raisedExercise of Foreign Citizenship RightsThe applicant possessed an Iranian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationship with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's family members in Iran are ordinary citizens leading normal lives.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of InterestThe applicant's long-standing ties and loyalty to the U.S. outweigh any ties to Iran.
- AG ¶ 11(b)appliedWillingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant expressed a willingness to renounce his Iranian citizenship.
- AG ¶ 11(e)appliedDestruction of Foreign PassportThe applicant destroyed his expired Iranian passport.
Key rule quoted
“Mere family ties with people in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJun 6, 2007
- Answer filedJun 25, 2007
- Hearing heldAug 23, 2007
- Decision dateSep 27, 2007
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- The Impact of Renouncing Foreign Citizenship on Security Clearance Eligibility.