Summary
A 30-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and defense contractor, originally from Turkey, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence), C (Foreign Preference), and E (Personal Conduct). The applicant's dual citizenship and possession of an active Turkish passport, which he used for travel to Turkey after becoming a U.S. citizen, were central to the decision.
Specific allegations included the applicant's in-laws and siblings-in-law residing in Turkey, and his multiple travels to Turkey since 2000 with intentions for future visits. A key concern was the applicant's deliberate omission of his Turkish passport on his e-QIP form, which was deemed a lack of candor.
The judge determined that the applicant's ties to Turkey and his use of a foreign passport created a potential conflict of interest and vulnerability to coercion, leading to the denial of his security clearance. While one mitigating condition was considered, it did not outweigh the disqualifying conditions.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's dual citizenship and possession of a Turkish passport raised significant security concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant failed to disclose his active Turkish passport on his e-QIP, which constituted a lack of candor under Guideline E.
- The applicant's ties to relatives in Turkey created a potential conflict of interest and vulnerability to foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7.braisedForeign Influence - Connections to a Foreign Person, Group, Government, or Country
- AG ¶ 7.iraisedForeign Influence - Conduct That May Make the Individual Vulnerable to Exploitation
- AG ¶ 10.a.1raisedForeign Preference - Exercising Rights or Privileges of Foreign Citizenship
- AG ¶ 16.araisedPersonal Conduct - Deliberate Omission or Concealment of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 11.cappliedForeign Preference - Dual Citizenship Based Solely on Parents’ Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country
Key Rule Quoted
“The United States has a compelling interest in protecting and safeguarding classified information from any person, organization, or country that is not authorized to have access to it, regardless of whether that person, organization, or country has interests inimical to those of the United States.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 22, 2008
- Answer filedAug 27, 2008
- Hearing held—Applicant appeared pro se.
- Decision dateFeb 18, 2009
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline B
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Potential Conflicts of Interest Due to Foreign Family Ties Under Guideline B