Summary
A 50-year-old applicant, a U.S. citizen who immigrated from Taiwan in 1977, sought a security clearance under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence) and C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons alleged that the applicant applied for and used a Taiwanese passport for employment in Taiwan between 1996 and 1998, demonstrating a preference for Taiwan over the U.S. after obtaining U.S. citizenship.
However, the applicant took documented steps to renounce his Taiwanese citizenship and returned to the U.S. to reunite with family and seek employment. The judge found that the applicant's actions since 1998 consistently demonstrated a preference for the U.S. Additionally, positive evidence indicated that none of the applicant's immediate family members had current ties with the Taiwanese government or were at risk of exploitation, thus posing no security risk.
Considering these mitigating factors, the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant renounced his Taiwanese citizenship and returned to the U.S. to reunite with family and seek employment.
- Positive evidence indicated that none of the applicant's relatives had current ties with the Taiwanese government or were at risk of exploitation.
- The applicant's actions since 1998 demonstrated a consistent preference for the U.S.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedThe Exercise of Dual Citizenship
- DC 2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- DC 3notedMilitary Service or Willingness to Bear Arms for a Foreign Country
- MC 1rejectedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parent's Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country
- MC 2appliedIndicators of Possible Foreign Preference Occurred Before Obtaining United States Citizenship
- MC 4appliedIndividual Has Expressed Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
Key Rule Quoted
“The granting (or continuance) of a security clearance under this Directive may only be done upon a finding that to do so is clearly consistent with the national interest.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 17, 2002
- Answer filedJun 19, 2002
- Hearing heldFeb 14, 2003
- Decision dateMar 27, 2003
Cite For
- Foreign Preference and Influence Considerations in Security Clearance Cases
- Mitigating Factors Related to Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship
- Impact of Family Ties on Security Clearance Determinations