Summary
A 40-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Turkey, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The denial was based on the applicant's significant and ongoing ties to Turkey, which were deemed to pose a security risk.
Key issues included the applicant's husband and mother-in-law being Turkish citizens, with the latter residing in Turkey. The applicant also maintained contact with friends and former colleagues employed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, who work on projects for the Turkish military. These professional connections raised concerns about potential foreign influence and conflicts of interest.
Further, the applicant's continued use of a Turkish passport and participation in Turkish elections indicated a preference for Turkey over the United States. Despite the application of several mitigating conditions, the judge ultimately found that the cumulative weight of these foreign ties and preferences warranted the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has significant ties to Turkey, including family and professional connections that pose a security risk.
- The applicant maintains a Turkish passport and has voted in Turkish elections, indicating a preference for Turkey over the U.S.
- The applicant's contacts with Turkish Aerospace Industries create a potential conflict of interest and risk of foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members or Associates
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Government That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 10(c)raisedFailure to Use a U.S. Passport When Entering or Exiting the U.S.
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign Persons Unlikely to Create a Conflict of InterestThe applicant's relationships with foreign contacts pose a significant security risk.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedMinimal Conflict of Interest Due to Deep Loyalties in the U.S.The applicant has not demonstrated deep and longstanding relationships or loyalties to the U.S.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant maintains regular contact with foreign associates.
- AG ¶ 11(a)rejectedForeign Citizenship Not in Conflict with U.S. National Security InterestsThe applicant's actions indicate a strong foreign preference.
- AG ¶ 11(b)rejectedDual Citizenship Based Solely on Parental Citizenship or BirthThe applicant's actions exhibit a strong foreign preference.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 16, 2021
- Answer filedApr 23, 2021
- Hearing heldNov 17, 2021
- Decision dateJan 12, 2022
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Foreign Preference Issues Under Guideline C
- Impact of Foreign Ties on Security Clearance Eligibility