Summary
A 44-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Taiwan, was denied a security clearance primarily due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's frequent and close contact with his parents and two brothers, all resident citizens of Taiwan, was identified as a significant national security risk.
While the applicant demonstrated efforts to mitigate foreign preference issues, including expressing a willingness to renounce his Taiwanese citizenship and destroying his Taiwanese passport, these actions were not sufficient to overcome the foreign influence concerns. The administrative judge found that the applicant's ongoing family ties in Taiwan created a heightened risk of foreign pressure or attempted exploitation.
This risk was specifically linked to Taiwan's documented active collection of U.S. economic and military information. Consequently, the applicant's security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained close and frequent contact with family members residing in Taiwan, which raised foreign influence concerns.
- The applicant's family ties created a heightened risk of foreign pressure or attempted exploitation due to Taiwan's active collection of U.S. economic and military information.
Conditions Referenced
- AG B6(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member, Business or Professional Associate, Friend, or Other Person Who Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country If That Contact Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Exploitation, Inducement, Manipulation, Pressure, or Coercion.
- AG B7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person, Group, Government, or Country That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest Between the Individual’s Obligation to Protect Sensitive Information or Technology and the Individual’s Desire to Help a Foreign Person, Group, or Country by Providing That Information.
- AG C11(a)appliedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parents’ Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country.
- AG C11(b)appliedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship.
- AG C11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered to the Cognizant Security Authority, or Otherwise Invalidated.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified [or sensitive] information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 21, 2006
- Answer filedApr 26, 2007Notarized response to SOR allegations.
- Hearing heldSep 18, 2007Hearing was held as scheduled.
- Decision dateDec 11, 2007
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Mitigating Conditions for Foreign Preference Under Guideline C
- The Importance of Frequent Contact with Foreign Family Members in Security Clearance Determinations