Summary
A U.S. naturalized citizen, originally from Brazil, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant, who became a U.S. citizen in 1976, had reacquired Brazilian citizenship and obtained a Brazilian passport in February 2000, raising disqualifying conditions.
However, the applicant demonstrated mitigating factors. She attempted to surrender her Brazilian passport to the consulate, and it was ultimately accepted only after she damaged it, rendering it invalid for travel. She also expressed a willingness to renounce her dual citizenship if required for her employment. Furthermore, she had not traveled to Brazil since 1998.
The judge determined that the applicant's actions clearly showed a preference for the United States. Her efforts to renounce her Brazilian citizenship and invalidate her passport, combined with her limited connections to Brazil compared to her strong ties to the U.S., led to the decision to grant the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant demonstrated a clear preference for the U.S. by attempting to renounce her Brazilian citizenship.
- She took steps to surrender her Brazilian passport, ultimately rendering it invalid for travel.
- The judge found her connections to Brazil were significantly less than her ties to the U.S.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A3.1.2.1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- E2.A3.1.3.1appliedDual Citizenship Based Solely on Parents' Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country
- E2.A3.1.3.4appliedWillingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
Key Rule Quoted
“"No one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 14, 2003
- Answer filedAug 24, 2003
- Hearing heldDec 12, 2003
- Decision dateMay 28, 2004
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Demonstrated Preference for the U.S.
- Validity of Actions Taken to Surrender a Foreign Passport as a Mitigating Factor Under Guideline C.
- The Impact of Personal Connections on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline C.