Summary
A 64-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Poland, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons highlighted his dual citizenship with Israel, noting he renewed his Israeli passport in 2004 and used it for travel in 2004, 2008, and 2009. Further concerns included his voting in a local Israeli election, residing and working for an Israeli company from 1992 to 1996, and serving in the Israeli military before becoming a U.S. citizen. These actions raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and susceptibility to foreign influence.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He demonstrated a clear intent to sever ties with Israel by destroying his Israeli passport and expressing a willingness to formally renounce his Israeli citizenship. The judge also noted his strong and established ties to the United States, including family, property, and active community involvement.
Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant's family members in Israel did not pose a significant risk of foreign influence or coercion. Based on these mitigating factors, the applicant's security clearance was granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant destroyed his Israeli passport and expressed a willingness to renounce his Israeli citizenship.
- He maintained strong ties to the United States, including family, property, and community involvement.
- The applicant's family members in Israel do not create a significant risk of foreign influence or coercion.
Conditions referenced
- C.1.araisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- B.7.araisedContact with a Foreign Family Member, Business or Professional Associate, Friend, or Other Person Who Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country
- B.7.braisedConnections to a Foreign Person, Group, Government, or Country That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- B.7.draisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Citizenship Status
- C.11.bappliedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- C.11.eappliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered to the Cognizant Security Authority, or Otherwise Invalidated
- B.8.bappliedThere Is No Conflict of Interest, Either Because the Individual’s Sense of Loyalty or Obligation to the Foreign Person Is Minimal
Key rule quoted
“The mere possession of close family ties with a person in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 30, 2010
- Answer filedMay 17, 2010
- Hearing heldDec 10, 2010
- Decision date—
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Consideration of Family Ties in Foreign Countries Under Guideline B