Summary
The applicant, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Iran, sought a security clearance but was denied due to concerns over foreign influence and preference stemming from his immediate family members residing in Iran. Despite his renunciation of Iranian citizenship and surrender of his Iranian passport, the judge found that the potential for coercion or pressure on his family members posed a significant risk to national security.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: His father and four sisters currently residing in Iran (2.a). A sister who is an Iranian citizen currently residing in Russia and receiving financial support from Applicant from approximately 1998 to 2000 (2.b). A sister who is an Iranian citizen currently residing in the US (2.c). Two nephews who are Iranian citizens currently residing in the US (2.d). Employed his nephew's spouse (an Iranian citizen) to work in his company (2.e). Hired foreign nationals to work in his company (to include individuals from various countries, ranging from India, China, Bangladesh, Jordan, Ghana and Iran) for claimed cost savings (2.f). Applicant exercised dual citizenship with Iran and the US (1.a). Applicant renewed an Iranian passport issued after he became a naturalized US citizen in September 1983, subject to expiration in January 2010 (1.b). Applicant traveled to Iran in February 2000 and used his Iranian passport instead of his US passport to enter and exit Iran (1.c).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions DC 1, DC 2. The judge applied mitigating conditions MC 1, MC 4. The decision turned on the following: Applicant's immediate family members residing in Iran are vulnerable to pressure or coercion; The Iranian government has a history of hostility towards the U.S. and could exploit familial ties for influence; Applicant's close ties to his family in Iran create foreign influence risks.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant's immediate family members residing in Iran are vulnerable to pressure or coercion.
- The Iranian government has a history of hostility towards the U.S. and could exploit familial ties for influence.
- Applicant's close ties to his family in Iran create foreign influence risks.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedAn Immediate Family Member, or a Person to Whom the Individual Has Close Ties of Affection or Obligation, Is a Citizen Of, or Resident or Present In, a Foreign Country.
- DC 2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport.
- MC 1rejectedA Determination That the Immediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power or in a Position to Be Exploited by a Foreign Power in a Way That Could Force the Individual to Choose Between Loyalty to the Persons Involved and the United States.The judge found that the applicant's family members in Iran could be subject to coercion.
- MC 4appliedIndividual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship.
Key Rule Quoted
“A decision to grant or continue an Applicant's request for security clearance may be made only upon a threshold finding that to do so is clearly consistent with the national interest.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 9, 2001
- Answer filedMay 25, 2001
- Hearing heldAug 28, 2001
- Decision dateSep 28, 2001
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties in Iran
- Impact of Dual Citizenship on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Risks Associated with Foreign Government Relations and Pressure on Family Members