Summary
A 27-year-old U.S. citizen and data engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons highlighted that her mother is a citizen and resident of Taiwan, and the applicant maintains a bank account there. Additionally, while the applicant was born in the U.S., her parents applied for a Taiwanese passport for her without her knowledge. She has never used this passport, denies having dual citizenship, and expressed willingness to surrender or destroy the passport, which was due to expire in June 2018.
Despite these mitigating factors, the judge found that the applicant maintained significant ties to Taiwan. These ties included her mother's residency and citizenship, as well as inherited property and financial interests, such as bank accounts and real estate, in Taiwan.
Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the security risks associated with her foreign connections, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained significant ties to Taiwan, including a mother who is a resident citizen and inherited property there.
- The applicant's financial interests in Taiwan, including bank accounts and real estate, raised concerns about potential foreign influence.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the security risks associated with her foreign connections.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(f)raisedSubstantial Business, Financial, or Property Interests in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of Interest Due to U.S. Ties
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedUnlikely to Be Placed in a Position of Conflict
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign Citizens
- AG ¶ 8(f)rejectedValue of Foreign Interests Unlikely to Result in Conflict
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 16, 2015
- Answer filedJan 29, 2016Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateAug 14, 2017
Cite For
- Security Concerns Regarding Foreign Influence Due to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- Insufficient Mitigation of Foreign Influence Risks Related to Property Interests in Taiwan
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations