Summary
This security clearance decision involved a 42-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Mexico, whose clearance was denied under Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons outlined several concerns, including the applicant's re-application for Mexican citizenship to purchase property in Mexico, his use of a Mexican bank account for property utilities, and his vote in the 2006 Mexican presidential election. The applicant's willingness to renounce his dual citizenship was also noted as conditional, and he did not provide evidence of U.S. government encouragement for his foreign election vote.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline C were raised, specifically concerning actions that indicate a preference for a foreign country. While mitigating conditions were considered, they were ultimately insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's re-application for Mexican citizenship 15 years after becoming a U.S. citizen, specifically to facilitate property acquisition in Mexico. His participation in the 2006 Mexican presidential election was viewed as demonstrating a preference for Mexico over the U.S. Furthermore, the applicant's conditional willingness to renounce his dual citizenship, coupled with a lack of demonstrated action, contributed to the final decision. The security clearance was ultimately denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant re-applied for Mexican citizenship 15 years after becoming a U.S. citizen to purchase property in Mexico.
- He voted in the 2006 Mexican presidential election, indicating a preference for Mexico over the U.S.
- The applicant's willingness to renounce his dual citizenship was conditional and lacked evidence of action taken.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)raisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege, or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen or Through the Foreign Citizenship of a Family Member
- AG ¶ 10(a)(7)raisedVoting in a Foreign Election
- AG ¶ 10(b)raisedAction to Acquire or Obtain Recognition of a Foreign Citizenship by an American Citizen
- AG ¶ 11(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant's willingness was conditional and lacked evidence of steps taken to renounce.
- AG ¶ 11(f)rejectedThe Vote in a Foreign Election Was Encouraged by the U.S. GovernmentThe applicant did not provide evidence of encouragement from the U.S. government.
Key rule quoted
“When an individual acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for a foreign country over the United States, then he or she may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedDec 11, 2008
- Answer filedMay 8, 2008
- Hearing held—
- Decision date—
Cite for
- Indications of Foreign Preference Under Guideline C
- Impact of Voting in Foreign Elections on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Conditional Willingness to Renounce Citizenship as a Mitigating Factor