Summary
A 58-year-old woman, an immigrant from Iran, was granted a security clearance after successfully mitigating concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons initially noted that she had traveled to Iran three times using an Iranian passport.
However, the applicant demonstrated that she had renounced her Iranian citizenship and returned her Iranian passport, severing all ties with the country. She confirmed having no immediate family, friends, or financial interests remaining in Iran, with all immediate family now residing in the U.S.
The administrative judge found that the applicant had successfully mitigated the security concerns. Her strong ties to the U.S., where she has been a citizen since 1985, and her professional success were emphasized in the decision to grant her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced her Iranian citizenship and returned her Iranian passport, severing ties with Iran.
- She has no family or financial interests in Iran, with all immediate family residing in the U.S.
- The applicant demonstrated a strong commitment to the U.S. and has been a citizen since 1985.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 10(a)raisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. CitizenThe applicant obtained and used an Iranian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen.
- FC DC 10(b)raisedAction to Acquire or Obtain Recognition of a Foreign Citizenship by an American CitizenThe applicant's actions indicated recognition of her Iranian citizenship.
- FP MC 11(b)appliedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant unconditionally renounced her Iranian citizenship.
- FP MC 11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered to the Cognizant Security Authority, or Otherwise InvalidatedThe applicant returned her Iranian passport to the ISIR.
- FI MC 8(a)appliedThe Nature of the Relationships with the Foreign Person Is Such That It Is Unlikely the Individual Will Be Placed in a Position of Having to Choose Between InterestsThe applicant has no current contacts in Iran and has severed ties.
- FI MC 8(b)appliedThere Is No Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to the Foreign PersonThe applicant's ties to Iran are non-existent and her loyalty is to the U.S.
- FI MC 8(c)appliedContact with Foreign Citizens Is so Casual and Infrequent That There Is Little Likelihood of RiskThe applicant's previous contacts were limited and have ceased.
Key Rule Quoted
“The objective of the security-clearance process is the fair-minded, commonsense assessment of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is eligible for a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 11, 2007
- Answer filedJul 19, 2007
- Hearing heldSep 17, 2007
- Decision dateOct 3, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Under Guideline C
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Importance of Severing Ties with Foreign Countries for Security Clearance Approval