Summary
This case concerns a 41-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Turkey, who sought eligibility for a public trust position. The Statement of Reasons raised concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). Specifically, the applicant possessed a valid Turkish passport until May 2007, which he used for travel to Turkey after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2003. Additionally, he participated in military training and paid $7,000 to fulfill his military obligation under Turkish law.
Disqualifying conditions cited included foreign influence due to family ties and foreign preference stemming from dual citizenship and military obligations. However, several mitigating conditions were applied. The applicant demonstrated a long history of compliance with security procedures and had previously been granted access to classified information by other federal agencies.
Crucially, the applicant expressed a willingness to renounce his Turkish citizenship, signaling his loyalty to the U.S. Furthermore, his family members in Turkey do not hold positions that could create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests. Based on these factors, the judge found that the applicant's strong ties to the U.S. and willingness to renounce Turkish citizenship mitigated the concerns, and eligibility was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant has a long history of compliance with security procedures and has been granted access to classified information by other federal agencies.
- The applicant expressed a willingness to renounce his Turkish citizenship, indicating loyalty to the U.S.
- The applicant's family members in Turkey do not hold positions that could create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests.
Conditions Referenced
- FI DC ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Family Members in a Foreign Country
- FI DC ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons That Create Potential Conflict of Interest
- FP DC 10(a)raisedExercise of Rights of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- FP DC 10(c)raisedPerforming Duties That Serve the Interests of a Foreign Government
- FI MC ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationship with Foreign Persons Mitigates Risk
- FI MC ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of Interest Due to Strong Ties to the U.S.
- FP MC ¶ 11(b)appliedWillingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- FP MC ¶ 11(e)appliedExpired Foreign Passport Destroyed
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 12, 2008
- Answer filedJul 7, 2008Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateDec 8, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Based on Familial Relationships
- Willingness to Renounce Foreign Citizenship as a Mitigating Factor
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions