Summary
A 43-year-old U.S. citizen and electrical engineer, originally from Turkey, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence) and C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited several factors, including that his mother, brother, sister, father-in-law, and mother-in-law are Turkish citizens and residents. His sister is employed by the Turkish government, and one brother works for a government-run university. Another brother is employed by a Turkish hospital.
Further allegations included that his spouse and children hold dual U.S.-Turkey citizenship and reside in the U.S. The applicant has traveled to Turkey annually since 2007, owns real estate there valued at approximately $205,000, and maintains a Turkish bank account with a balance of about $63,000. He also sends approximately $20,000 annually to his mother. Additionally, the applicant voted in Turkish elections in 2014 and 2015 and used a Turkish passport for travel to Turkey in 2001, 2004, 2005, and 2006.
The judge granted the clearance, finding that the applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. and a commitment to American democratic values. The judge determined that the family connections in Turkey did not create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, especially given Turkey's status as a U.S. ally. The applicant's financial interests in Turkey were mitigated by his actions to close foreign accounts and his stated lack of intent to renew his Turkish passport.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. and a commitment to American democratic values.
- The judge found that the applicant's family connections in Turkey did not create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- The applicant's financial interests in Turkey were mitigated by his actions to close foreign accounts and his lack of intent to renew his Turkish passport.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(d)notedSharing Living Quarters with Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 7(e)raisedSubstantial Business or Financial Interest in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedThe Individual Has a Strong Commitment to the U.S.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedThe Foreign Connections Are Not Significant Enough to Pose a Risk
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedThe Individual Has Taken Steps to Reduce Foreign Influence
Key Rule Quoted
“The United States has a compelling interest in protecting and safeguarding classified information from any person, organization, or country that is not authorized to have access to it, regardless of whether that person, organization, or country has interests inimical to those of the United States.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 24, 2016
- Answer filedApr 12, 2016
- Hearing heldJan 11, 2017
- Decision dateApr 6, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigating Factors Under Guideline B Regarding Foreign Influence
- Consideration of Family Ties in Security Clearance Decisions
- Impact of U.S.-Turkey Relations on Security Clearance Outcomes