Summary
A 32-year-old native-born American Cyber Security Analyst was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) related to his wife's Taiwanese citizenship and family ties. The Statement of Reasons highlighted several points: his father-in-law is a Taiwanese citizen and resident, a well-established wood veneer company investor with no government ties, whom the applicant has only casual contact with, primarily through his wife. The applicant last visited Taiwan in May 2018.
Further concerns included the applicant's wife having a Taiwanese bank account with approximately $31,656, which she closed in May 2018, transferring the funds to the U.S. She also maintains government-required health insurance in Taiwan, which she intends to cancel upon U.S. naturalization. The applicant, however, demonstrated understanding of reporting requirements for foreign travel and disclosed all relevant foreign connections on his application, affirming his loyalty to the U.S.
The clearance was granted because the applicant's wife plans to renounce her Taiwanese citizenship and become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Additionally, the applicant's contact with his father-in-law was deemed limited and casual, and the applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. and a commitment to national interests.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant's wife plans to renounce her Taiwanese citizenship and become a U.S. citizen.
- The applicant has only limited and casual contact with his father-in-law in Taiwan.
- The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. and a commitment to national interests.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Member
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person
- AG ¶ 7(e)raisedShared Living Quarters with a Foreign National
- AG ¶ 7(f)raisedSubstantial Financial Interests in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign Citizens
Key rule quoted
“The administrative judge’s overarching adjudicative goal is a fair, impartial, and commonsense decision.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 12, 2017
- Answer filedSep 26, 2017
- Hearing heldJul 30, 2018Applicant submitted additional documentation post-hearing.
- Decision dateSep 6, 2018
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of Spouse's Citizenship Status on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations