Summary
A 39-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence) and C (Foreign Preference) due to her dual citizenship with the Netherlands and substantial ties to that country. The judge determined that her marriage to a foreign national, possession of a foreign passport, and financial interests in the Netherlands created an elevated risk of foreign influence and exploitation.
The Statement of Reasons outlined several allegations, including that the applicant is married to a Dutch citizen, holds significant assets in the Netherlands (including a pension), and has used a Netherlands passport for travel. It also noted that her children are dual citizens of both the Netherlands and the United States, and that she applied for and received Dutch citizenship after marrying a Dutch national.
The denial was based on the applicant's possession and use of a Netherlands passport after becoming a U.S. citizen, which indicated a preference for a foreign country. Furthermore, her marriage to a Dutch citizen and significant financial interests in the Netherlands raised concerns about foreign influence. The applicant ultimately failed to demonstrate that her ties to the Netherlands would not create a conflict of interest with her obligations to the United States.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant possessed and used a Netherlands passport after becoming a United States citizen, indicating a preference for a foreign country.
- The applicant's marriage to a citizen of the Netherlands and her significant financial interests in that country raised concerns of foreign influence.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that her ties to the Netherlands would not create a conflict of interest with her obligations to the United States.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7.araisedContact with Foreign Family Member
- AG ¶ 7.braisedConnections to a Foreign Government
- AG ¶ 7.eraisedSubstantial Financial Interest in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 10.araisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- AG ¶ 10.braisedAction to Acquire Foreign Citizenship
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 25, 2008
- Answer filedMar 13, 2008
- Hearing held—Applicant appeared Pro Se.
- Decision dateAug 8, 2008
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B Due to Dual Citizenship
- Foreign Preference Issues Arising From Possession of a Foreign Passport Under Guideline C
- The Impact of Significant Financial Interests in a Foreign Country on Security Clearance Eligibility