Summary
A security clearance was granted to an applicant who was a dual citizen of Morocco and the United States, having naturalized in August 2000. Concerns were raised under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference) due to his dual citizenship.
The applicant mitigated these concerns by surrendering his Moroccan passport in May 2001 and initiating the renunciation of his Moroccan citizenship in February 2003. The judge determined that the foreign citizenship of the applicant's family members posed little risk of undue foreign influence.
Additionally, the applicant's strong professional background and substantial contributions to U.S. military research were noted. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant surrendered his Moroccan passport in May 2001 and initiated the renunciation of his Moroccan citizenship in February 2003.
- The foreign citizenship of the applicant's family members does not pose a significant risk of undue foreign influence.
- The applicant has a strong professional background and has made substantial contributions to U.S. military research.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedImmediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
- 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.A2.1.3appliedThe Individual Has No Financial Interests in Foreign Countries
Key Rule Quoted
“Each adjudicative decision must also include an assessment of the nature, extent, and seriousness of the conduct and surrounding circumstances; the frequency and recency of the conduct; the individual's age and maturity at the time of the conduct; the motivation of the individual applicant and extent to which the conduct was negligent, willful, voluntary or undertaken with knowledge of the consequences involved; the absence or presence of rehabilitation and other pertinent behavioral changes; the potential for coercion, exploitation and duress; and the probability that the circumstances or conduct will continue or recur in the future.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 6, 2003
- Answer filedFeb 12, 2003Applicant acted pro se initially.
- Hearing heldApr 24, 2003Hearing conducted with administrative notice taken.
- Decision dateAug 12, 2003
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Citizenship
- Assessment of Foreign Influence Based on Family Citizenship
- Consideration of Professional Contributions to U.S. Military Interests