Summary
A 23-year-old dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom was denied a security clearance under Guideline C (Foreign Preference) due to concerns about divided loyalty. The applicant admitted to acquiring U.K. citizenship by birth and reasserting it by obtaining and using a U.K. passport, which she continues to use for travel.
The judge found that the applicant's actions raised disqualifying conditions under Guideline C. Specifically, the applicant actively reasserted her U.K. citizenship by obtaining and using a U.K. passport. Furthermore, she expressed an intent to retain her U.K. passport, despite stating a willingness to renounce her U.K. citizenship.
Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant's dual citizenship created an irreconcilable conflict with her responsibilities to the United States. The applicant did not mitigate the security concerns related to her foreign citizenship and passport usage, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant actively reasserted her U.K. citizenship by obtaining and using a U.K. passport.
- The applicant expressed intent to retain her U.K. passport despite stating a willingness to renounce her citizenship.
- The applicant's dual citizenship creates an irreconcilable conflict with her responsibilities to the United States.
Conditions Referenced
- CraisedForeign Preference
- C11(a)rejectedDual Citizenship Based Solely on Parents’ Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign CountryThe applicant actively reasserted her U.K. citizenship by obtaining a foreign passport.
- C11(b)rejectedWillingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant stated a willingness to renounce her U.K. citizenship but later indicated intent to retain her U.K. passport.
- C11(c)rejectedExercise of Foreign Citizenship Rights Occurred Before U.S. Citizenship or as a MinorAll actions regarding dual citizenship occurred while the applicant was an adult.
- C11(d)rejectedUse of Foreign Passport Approved by Security AuthorityThe applicant's use of her U.K. passport has not been sanctioned by the U.S.
- C11(e)rejectedForeign Passport Has Been Surrendered or InvalidatedThe applicant intends to retain her U.K. passport.
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government has a compelling interest in ensuring those given security clearances will make decisions free of concerns for the foreign country of which they may also be a citizen.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 27, 2010
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a decision without hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held.
- Decision dateSep 29, 2010
Cite For
- Disqualifying Conditions Under Guideline C for Foreign Preference
- Impact of Dual Citizenship on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Requirements for Mitigating Foreign Preference Concerns