Summary
A 26-year-old defense contractor employee, holding dual U.S. and Israeli citizenship, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's immediate family, fiancé, and her family are all dual citizens of the U.S. and Israel, with some residing in Israel.
The Statement of Reasons highlighted that the applicant used his active Israeli passport during four documented visits to Israel since turning 18 and expressed no willingness to renounce his Israeli citizenship or passport. Concerns were also raised regarding his fiancé's family residing in Israel, potentially creating a heightened risk of foreign inducement or coercion.
Ultimately, the clearance was denied because the applicant's dual citizenship and use of his Israeli passport during visits indicated a preference for foreign citizenship. He did not provide any mitigating evidence to address these security concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant holds dual citizenship with Israel and the U.S., raising foreign preference concerns.
- He used his Israeli passport during visits to Israel, indicating a preference for foreign citizenship.
- Applicant did not submit any mitigating evidence to address the security concerns raised.
Conditions Referenced
- FP DC 10(a)raisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- FP DC 10(b)raisedAction to Acquire or Obtain Recognition of a Foreign Citizenship by an American Citizen
- FI DC 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
- FI DC 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person, Group, Government or Country That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- FI DC 7(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Citizenship Status, If That Relationship Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Inducement
Key Rule Quoted
“When an individual acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for a foreign country over the United States, then he or she may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 5, 2006
- Answer filedDec 14, 2006Applicant responded via notarized letter.
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMay 7, 2007
Cite For
- Foreign Preference Concerns Due to Dual Citizenship
- Impact of Foreign Family Ties on Security Clearance
- Lack of Mitigating Evidence in Security Clearance Cases