Summary
A 47-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Jerusalem, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's father and several sisters are citizens of Palestine and Jordan, creating close family ties in those regions.
Specific allegations included contact with foreign family members that could create a risk of foreign exploitation or coercion, and connections to a foreign country that could lead to a conflict of interest regarding sensitive information. Additionally, the applicant renewed his Palestinian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen and used it for four trips to Palestine between December 1997 and April 2006 for convenience.
Despite the applicant renouncing his Palestinian citizenship and the expiration of his Palestinian passport, the judge determined that the potential for foreign influence and preference remained significant. The applicant's close family ties and use of a foreign passport, coupled with connections to regions with security risks, raised concerns about his ability to safeguard classified information, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained close family ties with individuals in Palestine and Jordan, creating a potential for foreign influence.
- The applicant possessed a Palestinian passport and used it for travel, indicating a preference for a foreign country over the U.S.
- The applicant's connections to family members in regions with significant security risks raised concerns about his ability to safeguard classified information.
Conditions Referenced
- C1raisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- C2raisedAction to Acquire or Obtain Recognition of a Foreign Citizenship
- B1raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member
- B2raisedConnections to a Foreign Person That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- B3raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person That Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Inducement
- C2appliedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- C5appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered, or Otherwise Invalidated
- B1rejectedThe 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 InterestsThe applicant's close family ties were deemed significant enough to raise security concerns.
- B2rejectedThere Is No Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's familial connections were considered to create potential conflicts.
- B3rejectedContact with Foreign Citizens Is so Casual and Infrequent That It Poses Little RiskThe applicant's frequent communication with family members in foreign countries was significant.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 12, 2008
- Answer filedFeb 27, 2008
- Hearing heldJul 18, 2008Originally scheduled for July 15, 2008, but rescheduled due to a medical emergency.
- Decision dateAug 29, 2008
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Foreign Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Implications of Holding a Foreign Passport After U.S. Citizenship Under Guideline C
- The Significance of Potential Foreign Influence in Security Clearance Determinations.