Summary
A 48-year-old defense contractor, holding dual citizenship with Israel and the United States, was denied a security clearance under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence) and C (Foreign Preference). The denial stemmed from concerns regarding her emotional ties to Israel and her reluctance to renounce her Israeli citizenship, which the judge determined posed a potential national security risk.
The Statement of Reasons cited several factors. Under Guideline C, the applicant's dual citizenship and her two years of service in the Israeli Defense Forces from 1979 to 1981 were noted. Additionally, she renewed an Israeli passport in November 2004, which expired in October 2008. Under Guideline B, it was noted that the applicant has two relatives and her husband's mother living in Israel, and she has made ten trips to Israel since returning to the United States in 1981.
Despite the applicant's professional reputation and community standing, the denial was based on her dual citizenship and failure to renounce it, her emotional ties to Israel raising concerns about divided loyalties, and the potential for coercion or pressure due to her foreign contacts and interests.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has dual citizenship with Israel and has not taken steps to renounce it.
- The applicant's emotional ties to Israel raise concerns about divided loyalties.
- The applicant's foreign contacts and interests could lead to potential coercion or pressure.
Conditions Referenced
- C10(a)(2)appliedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- B7(a)appliedContact with a Foreign Family Member Who Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country
- B7(b)appliedConnections to a Foreign Person or Country That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- C11(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant has not expressed a willingness to renounce her Israeli citizenship.
- B7(a)rejectedThe 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 emotional ties to Israel create a potential conflict of interest.
- B7(b)rejectedThere Is No Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's strong ties to Israel indicate a significant loyalty that could conflict with U.S. interests.
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 issuedOct 9, 2008
- Answer filedNov 26, 2008
- Hearing heldFeb 12, 2009
- Decision dateJun 4, 2009
Cite For
- Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- The Importance of Emotional Ties to Foreign Countries in Security Clearance Determinations.