Summary
A 49-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Jordan, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence), C (Foreign Preference), and E (Personal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) alleged that the applicant renewed his Jordanian passport in September 1999, after becoming a U.S. citizen in 1990, and had served two years in the Jordanian army. These actions raised questions about foreign preference and influence.
Additionally, the SOR alleged the applicant falsified answers on two interrogatories. In January 2007, he incorrectly stated he had not used a foreign passport since 1990, admitting he had forgotten a 2000 trip using his Jordanian passport. However, a second allegation regarding a February 2007 interrogatory was found in his favor, as his explanation for his answer was deemed correct.
The judge granted the clearance, finding that the applicant's ties to Jordan did not pose a significant national security risk. Key mitigating factors included that his Jordanian passport expired in 2004 and he no longer possessed it, and his Jordanian army service occurred before his U.S. naturalization. The applicant also demonstrated a strong commitment to U.S. citizenship and expressed an intent to sever foreign ties.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant's Jordanian passport expired in 2004 and he no longer possesses it.
- He served in the Jordanian army before becoming a U.S. citizen, mitigating foreign preference concerns.
- The applicant demonstrated a strong commitment to U.S. citizenship and expressed a desire to sever ties with foreign interests.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)(1)raisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- AG ¶ 10(a)(2)raisedMilitary Service for a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person
- AG ¶ 7(e)raisedSubstantial Financial Interest in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 11(e)appliedPassport Has Been Destroyed or Invalidated
- AG ¶ 11(c)appliedForeign Citizenship Obligations Occurred Before U.S. Citizenship
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign Persons Unlikely to Create Conflict
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Strong U.S. Ties
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJan 15, 2008
- Answer filedFeb 8, 2008
- Hearing heldMay 14, 2008
- Decision date[Not specified]
Cite for
- Mitigating Conditions for Foreign Preference Under Guideline C
- Considerations for Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Impact of Expired Foreign Passports on Security Clearance Decisions