Summary
A 49-year-old dual citizen of Iran and the United States, holding a doctorate in Science and Physics, was denied a security clearance for his Director position at a defense contractor. The denial was based on concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference).
The applicant maintained close and continuing contact with numerous family members residing in Iran, including his father, a brother, and his in-laws, contacting them frequently. His spouse is also a dual citizen of Iran and the United States. The applicant used his Iranian passport multiple times to travel to Iran after becoming a U.S. citizen and renewed it in May 2007, with the passport remaining valid until 2012. Although he expressed a willingness to renounce his dual citizenship, he had not formally done so.
The judge concluded that the applicant's dual citizenship, possession of an Iranian passport, and extensive family ties in Iran, particularly given his spouse's reputation, posed a significant risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, pressure, or coercion. These factors, combined with the current political climate in Iran, led to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained dual citizenship with Iran and possessed a valid Iranian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen.
- He traveled to Iran multiple times to visit family, indicating a preference for his country of origin.
- The applicant's close family ties in Iran, including a spouse known for activism against the Iranian government, heightened the risk of foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- C10(a)appliedForeign Preference - Exercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- B7(a)appliedForeign Influence - Contact with a Foreign Family Member That Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Exploitation
- B7(b)appliedForeign Influence - Connections to a Foreign Person That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- C11(b)rejectedForeign Preference - Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- C11(e)rejectedForeign Preference - Passport Has Been Surrendered or Invalidated
Key Rule Quoted
“An individual who has foreign connections and is subject to foreign influence may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 18, 2012
- Answer filedFeb 10, 2012
- Hearing heldMay 30, 2012
- Decision dateJun 26, 2012
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Risk of Foreign Influence Due to Family Ties in Iran Under Guideline B
- Impact of Current Political Conditions in Iran on Security Clearance Decisions.