Summary
A 40-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Turkey, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons alleged that the applicant's foreign contacts created a potential conflict of interest and risk of foreign exploitation, and that his past actions of voting in a Turkish election and possessing a Turkish passport raised concerns about foreign preference.
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He renounced his Turkish citizenship in 2018, which demonstrated a commitment to U.S. interests. Furthermore, he holds no financial interests or real estate in Turkey, thereby reducing potential foreign influence.
The judge also noted that the applicant's family members in Turkey are not affiliated with the Turkish government, which mitigated concerns of coercion. Ultimately, the judge concluded that the applicant's foreign contacts did not pose an unacceptable security risk, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to U.S. interests. The security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced his Turkish citizenship in 2018, demonstrating a commitment to U.S. interests.
- He has no financial interests or real estate in Turkey, reducing potential foreign influence.
- The applicant's family members in Turkey are not affiliated with the Turkish government, mitigating concerns of coercion.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant's family ties in Turkey create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships with family members in Turkey could lead to divided allegiance.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's long-standing preference for U.S. interests makes it unlikely he will face divided allegiance.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of InterestThe applicant's deep ties to the U.S. outweigh his familial connections in Turkey.
- AG ¶ 11(b)appliedDual Citizenship Based on Parental CitizenshipThe applicant's foreign citizenship was based on birth and has been renounced.
- AG ¶ 11(c)appliedWillingness to Renounce Foreign CitizenshipThe applicant has formally renounced his Turkish citizenship.
Key Rule Quoted
“The United States has a compelling interest in protecting and safeguarding classified information from any person, organization, or country that is not authorized to have access to it, regardless of whether that person, organization, or country has interests inimical to those of the United States.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 26, 2018
- Answer filedOct 7, 2018
- Hearing heldFeb 26, 2019
- Decision dateMar 20, 2019
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Under Guideline C
- Importance of Renouncing Foreign Citizenship in Security Clearance Cases