Summary
A 52-year-old dual U.S. and French citizen was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). Allegations included her dual citizenship, possession and use of a French passport for travel to France, and the presence of immediate family members in France. Further concerns were raised regarding her potential entitlement to French social security benefits, though it was noted she had never voted in a French election.
Disqualifying conditions related to foreign influence and preference were initially identified. However, the Applicant demonstrated mitigating factors. She renounced her French passport and expressed a willingness to renounce her dual citizenship, indicating a preference for the U.S.
The judge determined that her family members in France were not agents of a foreign power and were not in a position to be exploited. The Applicant also established strong ties to the U.S. through her citizenship, residence, and family. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The Applicant renounced her French passport and expressed a willingness to renounce her dual citizenship.
- Her family members are not agents of a foreign power and are not in a position to be exploited.
- The Applicant has established strong ties to the U.S. through her citizenship, residence, and family.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A3.1.2.1raisedThe Exercise of Dual Citizenship.
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport.
- E2.A3.1.3.1appliedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parents' Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country.
- E2.A3.1.3.4appliedIndividual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship.
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedA Determination That the Immediate Family Member(s) Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power.
- E2.A2.1.3.3appliedContact and Correspondence with Foreign Citizens Are Casual and Infrequent.
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudication process is based on the whole person concept.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 3, 2002
- Answer filedJan 22, 2002
- Hearing heldMar 27, 2002
- Decision dateMay 15, 2002
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Due to Parental Citizenship
- Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship as a Mitigating Factor
- Family Ties Not Posing a Security Risk Under Guideline B