Summary
A 47-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Taiwan, sought a security clearance, which was granted despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons noted that the applicant's parents, two sisters, mother-in-law, and father-in-law are citizens and residents of Taiwan, with his parents owning a house valued at approximately $300,000. The applicant maintained regular telephone contact with his parents.
Further allegations included the applicant's possession of a current foreign passport, his acceptance of foreign benefits, and his dual citizenship based on birth in Taiwan. His in-laws, however, already reside in the U.S., hold green cards, and plan to become citizens. Additionally, his two sisters are in the process of emigrating to the United States.
The judge granted the clearance, finding that the applicant had renounced his Taiwanese citizenship and surrendered his passport, demonstrating a commitment to U.S. interests. The applicant also possessed significant financial assets and property in the U.S., indicating strong ties to the country. The ongoing immigration of his family members from Taiwan to the U.S. further mitigated concerns about potential foreign influence.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced his Taiwanese citizenship and surrendered his Taiwanese passport, demonstrating a commitment to U.S. interests.
- He has significant financial assets and property in the U.S., indicating strong ties to the country.
- The applicant's family members in Taiwan are in the process of immigrating to the U.S., reducing potential foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- 10.(a)raisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- 7.(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member, Business or Professional Associate, Friend, or Other Person Who Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country
- 7.(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person, Group, Government, or Country That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- 7.(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Citizenship Status, If That Relationship Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Inducement
- 11.(a)appliedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parent’s Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country
- 11.(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered to the Cognizant Security Authority, or Otherwise Invalidated
- 8.(a)appliedThe Nature of the Relationships with Foreign Persons Are Such That It Is Unlikely the Individual Will Be Placed in a Position of Having to Choose Between Interests
- 8.(b)appliedThere Is No Conflict of Interest Due to Deep and Longstanding Relationships and Loyalties in the U.S.
- 8.(c)appliedContact or Communication with Foreign Citizens Is so Casual and Infrequent That There Is Little Likelihood of Risk
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is eligible for a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 23, 2015
- Answer filedDec 16, 2015
- Hearing heldApr 28, 2016
- Decision dateJul 21, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship
- Significant U.S. Ties as a Mitigating Factor for Foreign Influence
- The Importance of the Applicant's Long-term Residence and Financial Investments in the U.S.