Summary
A 26-year-old U.S. citizen, born to Taiwanese parents, sought security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons alleged potential divided loyalties or foreign financial interests, raising concerns that she might be manipulated to act against U.S. interests. Additionally, a disqualifying condition was her possession of a current foreign passport while being a U.S. citizen.
To mitigate these concerns, the applicant renounced her Taiwanese citizenship and destroyed her Taiwanese passport. She demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through her family, education, and career. Furthermore, it was established that her father had no direct connection to the Taiwanese government and was not a candidate for coercion.
The Administrative Judge found that the applicant successfully mitigated the security concerns related to foreign influence and preference. Consequently, her eligibility for access to classified information was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced her Taiwanese citizenship and destroyed her Taiwanese passport.
- She has strong ties to the U.S., including family, education, and career.
- The applicant's father has no direct connection to the Taiwanese government and is not a candidate for coercion.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MemberThe applicant's father is a citizen and resident of Taiwan, a country known to collect U.S. intelligence.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign GovernmentThe applicant's father could create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 10(a)raisedPossession of a Foreign PassportThe applicant possessed a Taiwanese passport while a U.S. citizen.
- AG ¶ 10(b)raisedAction to Obtain Recognition of Foreign CitizenshipThe applicant renewed her Taiwanese passport while a U.S. citizen.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships are unlikely to create a conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of InterestThe applicant has deep and longstanding relationships in the U.S.
- AG ¶ 11(b)appliedWillingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant expressed a willingness to renounce her Taiwanese citizenship.
- AG ¶ 11(e)appliedDestruction of Foreign PassportThe applicant destroyed her Taiwanese passport.
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 issuedJun 14, 2007
- Answer filedJul 3, 2007
- Hearing heldDec 19, 2007in Woodland Hills, California
- Decision dateJan 28, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- Consideration of Family Ties in Security Clearance Decisions