Summary
A 38-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and test manager was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The denial stemmed from the applicant's significant family ties in Iran and possession of a valid Iranian passport.
Specifically, the applicant maintained contact with family members, including a grandmother and two brothers-in-law, who reside in Iran. The applicant also possessed a valid Iranian passport, which was used for travel to Iran after becoming a U.S. citizen, and had applied for an extension of this passport. These actions raised concerns about potential foreign exploitation, manipulation, and a conflict of interest between U.S. obligations and foreign connections.
Despite the applicant's claims of loyalty to the U.S. and an stated intention not to renew the Iranian passport upon its September 2008 expiration, the judge found that the connections to Iran, particularly given the hostile nature of the Iranian government, were not sufficiently mitigated. Consequently, the security clearance was DENIED.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has significant family ties in Iran, including a grandmother and two brothers-in-law who are citizens residing there.
- The applicant possessed a valid Iranian passport and used it to travel to Iran after becoming a U.S. citizen, indicating a preference for a foreign country.
- The applicant did not sufficiently mitigate the security concerns related to foreign influence due to the hostile nature of the Iranian government.
Conditions Referenced
- FI DC 7(b)appliedConnections to a Foreign Person, Group, Government, or Country That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- FI DC 7(c)appliedContact with a Family Member Who Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country
- FP DC 10(a)appliedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- FP MC 11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered, or Otherwise Invalidated
- FI MC 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's family ties in Iran were significant enough to raise foreign influence concerns.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 3, 2008
- Answer filedJan 14, 2008
- Hearing heldApr 3, 2008
- Decision dateMay 14, 2008
Cite For
- Significant Family Ties in a Foreign Country as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline B
- Use of a Foreign Passport After Obtaining U.S. Citizenship as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline C
- The Heightened Burden of Persuasion Required for Applicants with Ties to Countries Hostile to the U.S.