Summary
A 38-year-old U.S. citizen and software architect was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited his possession of a current foreign passport and the exercise of foreign citizenship rights after becoming a U.S. citizen. Disqualifying conditions related to foreign preference and foreign influence were raised, specifically concerning foreign passports, foreign citizenship, and foreign financial interests.
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He demonstrated a clear willingness to renounce his Turkish citizenship and confirmed he has not held a valid Turkish passport since 1998, using only his U.S. passport for international travel, including to Turkey.
Furthermore, the applicant established that he holds no financial interest in a Turkish apartment and was only a passive shareholder in a Turkish company, with no current financial stake. The judge found that these actions, coupled with his strong ties to the U.S., effectively addressed the security concerns, leading to the granting of his clearance.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant expressed a willingness to renounce his Turkish citizenship.
- The applicant has not possessed a valid Turkish passport since 1998 and travels to Turkey using his U.S. passport.
- The applicant has no financial interest in the Turkish apartment or the company where he was a passive shareholder.
Conditions referenced
- FP DC 10(a)raisedExercise of Foreign Citizenship Rights
- FI DC 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Relatives
- FI DC 7(b)raisedConnections Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- FI DC 7(e)raisedSubstantial Interest in Foreign Property
- FP MC 11(a)appliedDual Citizenship Based on Parents' Citizenship
- FP MC 11(b)appliedWillingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- FP MC 11(c)appliedExercise of Foreign Citizenship Rights Occurred as a Minor
- FP MC 11(e)appliedPassport Has Been Invalidated
- FI MC 8(a)appliedNature of Relationship with Foreign Persons Unlikely to Create Conflict
- FI MC 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of Interest Due to Strong U.S. Ties
- FI MC 8(f)appliedValue of Foreign Interests Unlikely to Create 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 16, 2008
- Answer filedMay 19, 2008Requested determination on the written record.
- Hearing held—
- Decision dateNov 26, 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.