Summary
This case involved a 59-year-old electrical engineer and U.S. citizen, originally from Taiwan, whose security clearance was reviewed under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence), C (Foreign Preference), and E (Personal Conduct). Concerns arose due to his family residing in Taiwan, including a sister who works for a Taiwan government-related entity. Additionally, the applicant had possessed and used a Taiwan passport for travel, renewing it after becoming a U.S. citizen, and initially answered "No" to a security questionnaire asking about active foreign passports within the last seven years.
Disqualifying conditions were raised regarding foreign influence, foreign preference, and personal conduct, specifically concerning the possession and use of a foreign passport and the accuracy of his security questionnaire response.
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He formally renounced his Taiwan citizenship and surrendered his Taiwan passport to his security officer. The applicant has resided in the U.S. since 1977, demonstrating stronger ties to the U.S. than to Taiwan. He also has no criminal history or security violations and has received positive work evaluations. Based on these mitigating factors, the judge determined that his connections to Taiwan did not pose a national security risk, and his security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced his Taiwan citizenship and surrendered his Taiwan passport to his security officer.
- He has lived in the U.S. since 1977 and has stronger ties to the U.S. than to Taiwan.
- The applicant has no criminal history or security violations and has received positive evaluations at work.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)(1)raisedPossession of a Current Foreign Passport
- AG ¶ 10(b)raisedAction to Acquire or Obtain Recognition of a Foreign Citizenship
- AG ¶ 10(d)raisedAny Statement or Action That Shows Allegiance to a Country Other Than the United States
- AG ¶ 11(b)appliedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- AG ¶ 11(e)appliedThe Passport Has Been Destroyed, Surrendered to the Cognizant Security Authority, or Otherwise Invalidated
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 20, 2012
- Answer filedSep 4, 2012
- Hearing heldJan 17, 2013
- Decision dateJan 30, 2013
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Personal Conduct Allegations Related to Foreign Activities Under Guideline E