Summary
A 55-year-old native-born U.S. citizen with a federal law enforcement background was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons alleged he acquired a German passport in 1990 and renewed it in 2000 and 2010, raising disqualifying conditions related to foreign citizenship and preference.
However, the applicant mitigated these concerns by surrendering his German passport before the hearing, demonstrating a clear preference for U.S. citizenship. He also provided credible testimony, explaining his misunderstanding of dual citizenship and the significance of possessing a foreign passport.
The decision to grant the clearance was further supported by the applicant's strong ties to the U.S. and his history of service in federal law enforcement, which affirmed his trustworthiness and loyalty.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant surrendered his German passport prior to the hearing, demonstrating a preference for U.S. citizenship.
- He provided credible testimony regarding his misunderstanding of dual citizenship and the significance of his German passport.
- The applicant's strong ties to the U.S. and his history of service in federal law enforcement supported his trustworthiness.
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 ¶ 11(b)appliedWillingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- AG ¶ 11(e)appliedPassport Surrendered to Cognizant Security Authority
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 19, 2013
- Answer filedDec 13, 2013
- Hearing heldMar 14, 2014
- Decision dateApr 14, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- Importance of Surrendering Foreign Passports in Security Clearance Cases
- Consideration of Applicant's Intent and Understanding Regarding Dual Citizenship