Summary
A 33-year-old government contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons alleged that the applicant possessed a valid Country A passport, issued December 8, 2006, and had applied for reinstatement of his Country A citizenship on October 4, 2006, after becoming a U.S. citizen on July 1, 2005. He actively petitioned for dual citizenship with Country A.
Disqualifying conditions C10(a), C10(b), and C10(d) were raised, while mitigating conditions C11(a), C11(b), and C11(e) were applied. However, the judge ultimately found that the applicant's actions to reacquire and maintain citizenship with Country A, including family connections and possession of a foreign passport, raised significant security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's reacquisition of Country A citizenship after becoming a U.S. citizen, which indicated a preference for a foreign country. Furthermore, his willingness to renounce dual citizenship was deemed conditional, undermining his commitment to U.S. interests.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant reacquired his Country A citizenship after becoming a U.S. citizen, indicating a preference for a foreign country.
- The applicant's ties to Country A, including family connections and possession of a foreign passport, raised security concerns.
- The applicant's willingness to renounce dual citizenship was conditional, undermining his commitment to U.S. interests.
Conditions Referenced
- C10(a)raisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- C10(b)raisedAction to Acquire or Obtain Recognition of a Foreign Citizenship
- C10(d)raisedAny Statement or Action That Shows Allegiance to a Country Other Than the United States
- C11(a)rejectedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parent’s Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign CountryThe applicant's dual citizenship was a deliberate act of petitioning for citizenship.
- C11(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant's willingness was conditional, indicating a desire to maintain dual citizenship.
- C11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered to the Cognizant Security Authority, or Otherwise InvalidatedThe applicant invalidated and surrendered his foreign passport.
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 issuedApr 30, 2010
- Answer filedMay 28, 2010
- Hearing heldAug 31, 2010
- Decision dateOct 14, 2010
Cite For
- Disqualifying Conditions Related to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- The Importance of Unequivocal Willingness to Renounce Foreign Citizenship for Security Clearance Eligibility