Summary
A 48-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Taiwan, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The denial stemmed primarily from his possession of a Taiwanese passport and extensive family ties to Taiwan.
The applicant obtained a Taiwanese passport on February 23, 2012, after becoming a U.S. citizen in December 2008, and this passport was valid until February 23, 2022. His father, mother, brother, and mother-in-law are citizens and residents of Taiwan. Additionally, one sister is a Taiwanese citizen residing in Taiwan, while another sister is a Taiwanese citizen residing in the U.S. with an Alien Registration Card. The applicant's spouse and children are dual citizens of Taiwan and the United States, residing in the U.S.
The judge determined that the applicant failed to mitigate concerns related to his dual citizenship and foreign family connections. The applicant admitted to holding the Taiwanese passport and did not provide evidence of renouncing his Taiwanese citizenship or relinquishing the passport. These factors, combined with the potential risk of foreign influence due to Taiwan's history of industrial espionage, led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to holding a current Taiwanese passport after becoming a U.S. citizen.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of renouncing his Taiwanese citizenship or relinquishing his passport.
- The applicant's family members in Taiwan create a potential risk of foreign influence due to Taiwan's history of industrial espionage.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)raisedExercise of Any Right, Privilege or Obligation of Foreign Citizenship After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- AG ¶ 10(b)raisedAction to Acquire or Obtain Recognition of a Foreign Citizenship by an American Citizen
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member That Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Exploitation
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person That Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Inducement
- AG ¶ 11(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant stated willingness but did not take action to renounce his dual citizenship.
- AG ¶ 11(a)rejectedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parent’s Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign CountryThe applicant actively sought a foreign passport after becoming a U.S. citizen.
- AG ¶ 11(c)rejectedExercise of the Rights of Foreign Citizenship Occurred Before U.S. CitizenshipThe applicant applied for a Taiwanese passport after obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 28, 2015
- Answer filedJun 17, 2015Applicant admitted all allegations.
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateDec 23, 2015
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Foreign Preference and Influence Concerns
- Impact of Dual Citizenship on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Heightened Risk of Foreign Exploitation Due to Familial Ties in a Foreign Country