Summary
A 43-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Romania was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The denial stemmed from her dual citizenship, continued possession of a Romanian passport, and extensive foreign contacts.
The applicant's husband is also a dual citizen of both countries, and her in-laws, a sister-in-law, and her husband's sister's husband are all Romanian citizens residing in Romania. Her deceased father-in-law was a career soldier in the Romanian military, and her retired mother-in-law worked in public relations. The applicant also has a brother who is a citizen and resident of Germany, whose daughter visited the applicant for a month in 2000 and 2001. The applicant maintains monthly contact with her family in Romania and Germany via telephone and greeting cards.
The judge determined that these factors, particularly the dual citizenship, foreign passport, and substantial foreign family ties, created an unmitigated risk of foreign influence and preference. The applicant's expressed willingness to renounce her Romanian citizenship and relinquish her passport was not sufficient to overcome these concerns, as no credible evidence of surrendering the passport or obtaining official approval for its use was provided.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained dual citizenship and possession of a Romanian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen.
- The applicant's substantial foreign contacts, including family ties in Romania, posed a risk of foreign influence.
- The applicant did not provide credible evidence of having surrendered her foreign passport or obtained official approval for its use.
Conditions Referenced
- C1raisedDual Citizenship
- C2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- B1raisedForeign Contacts with Family Members in a Foreign Country
- B2raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Their Citizenship Status, If the Potential for Adverse Foreign Influence or Duress Exists
Key Rule Quoted
“The mere possession of a foreign passport raises legitimate questions as to whether the Applicant can be counted upon to place the interests of the United States paramount to that of another nation.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 1, 2002
- Answer filedJun 12, 2002
- Hearing heldSep 19, 2002record left open until September 25, 2002
- Decision dateNov 19, 2002
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Substantial Family Ties Abroad Under Guideline B
- Importance of Renouncing Foreign Citizenship and Passport for Security Clearance Eligibility