Summary
A 44-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and chief executive officer, originally from Lebanon, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The denial stemmed primarily from her retained Lebanese passport and extensive familial connections in Lebanon.
Specific concerns included her mother and a younger sister residing in Lebanon, an elder sister who is a Lebanese citizen living in Jordan, and a cousin serving as a Lebanese government official. Additionally, her husband occasionally sent money to his U.S.-Lebanese citizen mother in Lebanon, and the applicant maintained a nominal Lebanese bank account with a balance of "maybe $3,000." She also traveled to Lebanon once or twice annually to visit family and friends.
Despite her efforts to relinquish her Lebanese passport and claims of Americanization, the judge determined that the risks posed by her foreign connections and Lebanon's political instability, particularly concerning Hizballah, outweighed her mitigating factors. The retention and renewal of her Lebanese passport after becoming a U.S. citizen was seen as a preference for foreign citizenship, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant retained and renewed her Lebanese passport after becoming a U.S. citizen, indicating a preference for foreign citizenship.
- The applicant has significant familial ties in Lebanon, including a mother and sister who are citizens and residents, and a cousin who is a government official.
- The political instability and security concerns associated with Lebanon, particularly regarding Hizballah, raised significant risks to national security.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)raisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege, or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- AG ¶ 10(b)raisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- AG ¶ 11(a)appliedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parents’ Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered to the Cognizant Security Authority, or Otherwise Invalidated
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 21, 2009
- Answer filedOct 7, 2009
- Hearing heldJan 19, 2010
- Decision dateApr 19, 2010
Cite for
- Foreign Preference Concerns Related to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Foreign Influence Risks Associated with Familial Ties in Politically Unstable Countries Under Guideline B
- The Impact of Foreign Terrorist Organizations on Security Clearance Determinations.