Summary
A 60-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Russia, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline C (Foreign Preference), and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) alleged that his spouse and son held dual U.S. and Russian citizenship, his two sisters and in-laws resided in Russia, he maintained close relationships with Russian citizens, and owned property in Russia valued at approximately $50,000. Additionally, the SOR noted he obtained a Russian passport in 2012, indicating the exercise of foreign citizenship.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. For foreign influence, he demonstrated limited contact with his relatives in Russia and affirmed a strong commitment to U.S. interests. To address foreign preference, he expressed a willingness to renounce his dual citizenship and destroyed his Russian passport.
Regarding financial considerations, the concerns were not established. The applicant provided documentation verifying that a previously received wire transfer originated from a legitimate real estate transaction. Based on these mitigating actions and clarifications, the security clearance was granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated limited contact with foreign relatives, mitigating foreign influence concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant expressed a willingness to renounce dual citizenship and destroyed his Russian passport, mitigating foreign preference concerns under Guideline C.
- Financial concerns were not established as the applicant provided documentation for the source of funds received from a legitimate real estate transaction.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)(1)raisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedDeep and Longstanding Relationships and Loyalties in the U.S.
- AG ¶ 11(b)appliedWillingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- AG ¶ 11(e)appliedDestruction of Foreign Passport
- AG ¶ 19(h)rejectedUnexplained AffluenceThe applicant credibly explained the source of funds.
Key rule quoted
“The mere possession of close family ties with a family member living in Russia is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedDec 1, 2015
- Answer filedJan 19, 2016
- Hearing heldJun 2, 2016
- Decision dateOct 28, 2016
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- Rebuttable Presumption of Family Ties Under Guideline B