Summary
A 60-year-old software engineer, who is a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The administrative judge determined that her Israeli citizenship and significant financial ties to Israel raised doubts about her loyalty and trustworthiness.
Specifically, the applicant maintained a pension fund in Israel valued at approximately $109,000 and a bank account with a balance of about $16,000. These substantial financial interests were identified as creating a potential conflict of interest. Furthermore, the applicant acquired Israeli citizenship in August 1997, despite being a U.S. citizen by birth, which was seen as indicating a preference for a foreign country.
While certain mitigating conditions were considered, the judge ultimately concluded that the applicant's acquisition of Israeli citizenship and her substantial financial interests in Israel were disqualifying factors. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant acquired Israeli citizenship, indicating a preference for a foreign country over the United States.
- The applicant has substantial financial interests in Israel, including a pension fund valued at approximately $109,000 and a bank account with about $16,000, creating a potential conflict of interest.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)raisedAcquiring Citizenship in Another Country
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Government That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(f)raisedSubstantial Financial Interests in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 11(a)rejectedForeign Citizenship Not in Conflict with U.S. National Security InterestsThe applicant's expertise and employment in information technology raise potential conflicts with U.S. national security interests.
- AG ¶ 11(c)rejectedWillingness to Renounce Foreign CitizenshipThe applicant's willingness to renounce her Israeli citizenship is undermined by her need to maintain it for financial reasons.
- AG ¶ 8(f)rejectedValue or Routine Nature of Foreign Interests Unlikely to Result in ConflictThe significant value of the applicant's Israeli assets suggests a potential conflict of interest.
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedAug 25, 2018
- Answer filedSep 14, 2018
- Hearing heldJan 10, 2019via video tele-conference
- Decision dateApr 30, 2019
Cite for
- Security Concerns Regarding Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Financial Interests in a Foreign Country Under Guideline B
- The Impact of Foreign Citizenship on National Security Interests