Summary
A 46-year-old president of a software defense contractor sought to retain his security clearance, facing concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). Allegations included his dual citizenship with Pakistan, reapplying for a Pakistani passport in October 1998 despite naturalizing as a U.S. citizen in February 1986, and using his Pakistani passport for travel to and from Pakistan in at least 1993. Additionally, he maintained regular contact with his father and two brothers, who are citizens and residents of Pakistan.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He renounced his Pakistani citizenship and surrendered his Pakistani passport prior to the hearing. He also demonstrated no financial interests or property in Pakistan and has not participated in Pakistani elections since becoming a U.S. citizen.
The judge found that the applicant's actions, including his active participation in U.S. civic life and unwavering loyalty to the U.S., mitigated the security risks associated with his family ties in Pakistan and his previous dual citizenship. Consequently, the applicant's security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced his Pakistani citizenship and surrendered his Pakistani passport before the hearing.
- He has no financial interests or property in Pakistan and has not voted in Pakistani elections since becoming a U.S. citizen.
- The applicant demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the U.S. and has actively participated in U.S. civic life.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship
- DC 2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- MC 1appliedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parents' Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country.
- MC 4appliedIndividual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship.
- MC 1appliedImmediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power or in a Position to Be Exploited by a Foreign Power.
- MC 5appliedMinimal Foreign Financial Interests.
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate determination of an applicant's eligibility for a security clearance depends, in large part, on the relevance and materiality of that evidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 29, 2001
- Answer filedJun 15, 2001
- Hearing heldOct 12, 2001
- Decision dateDec 26, 2001
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Due to Renunciation of Citizenship
- Consideration of Family Ties in Non-hostile Countries Under Guideline B
- Evidence of Active Participation in U.S. Civic Life as a Mitigating Factor