Summary
A 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Russia, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant maintained dual citizenship with Russia and possessed a valid Russian passport, obtained in June 2007 and expiring in June 2012. He also owned an apartment in Russia valued at approximately $100,000 and stated his intention to retain his Russian citizenship to protect his financial interests there.
Further concerns arose from his ongoing ties to family in Russia. His wife is a Russian citizen and a resident alien of the United States, while his sister and mother-in-law are citizens and residents of Russia. The applicant also maintained contact with a college friend who is a Russian citizen and resident.
The judge determined that these factors, including dual citizenship, close family ties to Russian citizens, and the retention of a Russian passport for travel and financial interests, created a heightened risk of foreign influence and a conflict of interest. Consequently, the applicant's security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant maintained dual citizenship with Russia, creating a potential conflict of interest.
- Applicant's close family ties to Russian citizens, including his wife and mother-in-law, posed a heightened risk of foreign pressure or exploitation.
- Applicant's intention to retain his Russian passport for travel and financial interests in Russia indicated a preference for foreign citizenship.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)appliedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)appliedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(d)appliedSharing Living Quarters with a Foreign National
- AG ¶ 7(e)appliedSubstantial Financial Interest in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 10(a)appliedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- AG ¶ 10(a)(5)appliedUsing Foreign Citizenship to Protect Financial 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 issuedAug 6, 2009
- Answer filedundatedApplicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing heldnot applicableNo hearing; decided on the written record.
- Decision dateApr 7, 2010
Cite For
- Heightened Risk of Foreign Influence Due to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline B
- Conflict of Interest Arising From Close Family Ties to Foreign Nationals Under Guideline B
- Foreign Preference Indicated by Possession of a Foreign Passport Under Guideline C