Summary
A 29-year-old engineer, holding dual citizenship with Colombia and the U.S., was subject to a security clearance review under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). Concerns arose from her family ties in Colombia and her possession of a Colombian passport. Specifically, it was noted that she used her Colombian passport for travel to Colombia in 2005 after becoming a U.S. citizen, and that she possessed a Colombian passport issued in 1998 with a 2008 expiration date.
Upon learning of the security concern regarding her foreign passport, the applicant renounced her Colombian citizenship on June 27, 2008. This action, along with the surrender of her Colombian passport, significantly mitigated the foreign preference concerns. Additionally, the judge found that her family members in Colombia do not reside in areas associated with terrorist activity, thereby reducing foreign influence risks.
The applicant further demonstrated strong ties to the U.S., expressing her intent to live and retire there. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant renounced her Colombian citizenship and surrendered her Colombian passport, mitigating foreign preference concerns.
- The applicant's family members in Colombia do not reside in areas with terrorist activity, reducing foreign influence risks.
- The applicant has established strong ties to the U.S. and intends to live and retire there.
Conditions Referenced
- FP DC 10(a)raisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- FI DC 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person, Group, Government, or Country That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- FI DC 7(c)raisedContact with Family Members Who Are Citizens of a Foreign Country
- FI DC 7(e)raisedSubstantial Business, Financial, or Property Interest in a Foreign Country
- FP MC 11(b)appliedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- FP MC 11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered, or Invalidated
- FI MC 8(a)appliedThe Nature of the Relationships with Foreign Persons Is Such That It Is Unlikely the Individual Will Be Placed in a Position of Having to Choose Between Interests
- FI MC 8(b)appliedThere Is No Conflict of Interest Due to Deep and Longstanding Relationships in the U.S.
- FI MC 8(f)appliedThe Value or Routine Nature of the Foreign Property Interests Is Such That They Are Unlikely to Result in a Conflict
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 22, 2008
- Answer filedJun 10, 2008
- Hearing heldSep 11, 2008
- Decision dateOct 24, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Citizenship
- Consideration of Family Ties in Foreign Influence Cases
- Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations