Summary
This case involved a 52-year-old U.S. citizen and professor, originally from Iran, whose security clearance was reviewed under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). Concerns were raised due to his family ties in Iran and his possession of an Iranian passport.
Specifically, the Statement of Reasons alleged that his mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, and a half-brother-in-law were citizens and residents of Iran, and that he maintained contact with a college friend there. Additionally, it was noted that he exercised dual citizenship with Iran and the U.S., and possessed an Iranian passport issued in December 2004, after he became a U.S. citizen, which he still held in October 2007.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He demonstrated limited contact with his foreign relatives, thereby reducing the risk of foreign influence. Crucially, he destroyed his Iranian passport, directly addressing the foreign preference concerns. The judge also considered his strong ties to the U.S. and lack of direct contact with his wife's family in Iran. Ultimately, his security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant destroyed his Iranian passport, mitigating concerns under Guideline C.
- The applicant's limited contact with foreign relatives reduced the risk of foreign influence under Guideline B.
- The applicant's strong ties to the U.S. and lack of direct contact with his wife's family in Iran supported his case.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)(1)raisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- AG ¶ 10(d)raisedAny Statement or Action That Shows Allegiance to a Country Other Than the United States
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member That Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Exploitation
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person That Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Inducement
- AG ¶ 11(a)appliedDual Citizenship Based Solely on Parents' Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed or Invalidated
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign Persons Makes It Unlikely the Individual Will Have to Choose Between Interests
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to Foreign Persons
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the revised adjudicative guidelines (AG).”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 14, 2007
- Answer filedJan 10, 2008
- Hearing heldApr 3, 2008
- Decision dateMay 30, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Destruction of Foreign Passports
- Limited Foreign Family Ties as a Mitigating Factor Under Guideline B
- The Importance of U.S. Citizenship and Ties in Security Clearance Evaluations