Summary
A security clearance was denied for an applicant who is a dual U.S. and Liberian citizen, based on concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's possession of a recently renewed Liberian passport, which he was unwilling to destroy, was a primary factor. He stated he needed the passport to demonstrate his Liberian citizenship for administering his mother's estate, who is a resident citizen of Liberia. Although he surrendered the passport to his security officer at one point, he recovered it after being laid off.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's close family ties to a high-ranking official in the Liberian government, specifically a cousin raised by his mother. The judge determined that the evidence presented was insufficient to mitigate the security risks associated with these foreign ties and the potential for foreign influence.
The denial was ultimately based on the applicant's continued possession of a current Liberian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen, which indicated a foreign preference. Additionally, his close family connection to a Liberian government official created potential conflicts of interest and risks of foreign influence, and his unwillingness to renounce his Liberian citizenship or destroy his passport further supported the finding of foreign preference.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant's possession of a current Liberian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen raised foreign preference concerns.
- The applicant's close family ties to a high-ranking official in the Liberian government created potential conflicts of interest and risks of foreign influence.
- The applicant's unwillingness to renounce his Liberian citizenship or destroy his passport indicated a preference for foreign citizenship.
Conditions referenced
- C1raisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- C5raisedUsing Foreign Citizenship to Protect Financial Interests
- C10raisedAction to Acquire Recognition of Foreign Citizenship
- B1raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member
- B2raisedConnections to a Foreign Government
- C11rejectedDual Citizenship Based on Parents' CitizenshipThe applicant actively reaffirmed his Liberian citizenship after obtaining U.S. citizenship.
- C11(b)rejectedWillingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant expressed refusal to renounce his Liberian citizenship.
- B8rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's close ties to his mother and cousin indicated potential conflicts of interest.
Key rule quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 6, 2011
- Answer filedJun 4, 2011
- Hearing heldSep 13, 2011
- Decision dateDec 20, 2011
Cite for
- Foreign Preference Concerns Due to Possession of a Foreign Passport
- Foreign Influence Risks From Family Ties to a Foreign Government Official
- Insufficient Mitigation of Security Concerns Related to Dual Citizenship