Summary
A 52-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Taiwan, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited his dual citizenship with Taiwan, possession of an active Taiwanese passport until 2007, and residency in Taiwan from 1998 to 2001. Further allegations included his service in the Taiwanese army from 1978 to 1980, ownership of a U.S. consulting firm with Taiwanese clients, and multiple travels to China in the late 1990s.
Concerns regarding foreign influence stemmed from his father and brother being resident citizens of Taiwan, with his brother working for a Taiwanese government-sponsored research institute. His mother, also a Taiwanese citizen, resides with him in the U.S.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by renouncing his Taiwanese citizenship and destroying his Taiwanese passport, which demonstrated a clear preference for the U.S. The judge determined that his family ties in Taiwan did not pose a heightened risk of foreign influence due to limited contact and the applicant's strong, established ties to the U.S. His work history and community involvement further supported his commitment to the United States, leading to the granting of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced Taiwanese citizenship and destroyed his Taiwanese passport, demonstrating a preference for the U.S.
- The applicant's family ties in Taiwan did not create a heightened risk of foreign influence due to limited contact and the applicant's established ties to the U.S.
- The applicant's work history and community involvement indicated a strong commitment to the U.S.
Conditions Referenced
- DC ¶ 10(a)(1)raisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. CitizenPossession of a current foreign passport raised concerns of foreign preference.
- DC ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family MemberFamily ties in Taiwan raised concerns of foreign influence.
- MC ¶ 11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered to the Cognizant Security Authority, or Otherwise InvalidatedThe applicant destroyed his Taiwanese passport.
- MC ¶ 11(b)appliedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant notified Taiwan of his renunciation of citizenship.
- MC ¶ 8(b)appliedThere Is No Conflict of InterestThe applicant's ties to the U.S. outweighed any potential foreign influence.
Key Rule Quoted
“When an individual acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for a foreign country over the United States, then he or she may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 30, 2007
- Answer filedMay 2, 2007Applicant acted pro se initially.
- Hearing heldOct 16, 2007Hearing conducted to assess security clearance.
- Decision dateOct 31, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Citizenship
- Limited Foreign Influence Due to Infrequent Contact with Family Abroad
- Demonstration of Allegiance to the U.S. Through Community Involvement and Professional Conduct.