Summary
This security clearance decision involved an applicant, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Honduras, facing concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline C (Foreign Preference), and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons detailed the applicant's family ties in Honduras, including a mother and five siblings with whom he maintained telephone contact and provided financial support of $100.00 to $200.00 every three months. He had also traveled to Honduras in July-August 1998 and June-July 2002 to visit relatives. Additionally, the applicant was alleged to own a home in Honduras, earning rental income, with an intent to retire there.
A key allegation under Personal Conduct was that the applicant falsified his December 2000 security clearance application (SF-86) by failing to list his five siblings and foreign property in response to questions 9 and 17.
Ultimately, the applicant's security clearance was GRANTED. This decision was based on several mitigating factors: he renounced his Honduran citizenship and surrendered his expired passport, addressing foreign preference concerns. Furthermore, his family members in Honduras were determined not to pose a vulnerability to pressure or coercion, mitigating foreign influence concerns. Finally, the applicant successfully refuted the allegations of falsification regarding his security clearance application. His property interests in Honduras were clarified as solely through his wife's ownership.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant renounced his Honduran citizenship and surrendered his expired passport, mitigating foreign preference concerns.
- Family members in Honduras were found to pose no discernible vulnerability to pressure or coercion, mitigating foreign influence concerns.
- Applicant successfully refuted allegations of falsification of his security clearance application.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A3.1.2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- B2.A2.1.1raisedForeign Influence Due to Family Ties
- E2.A3.1.1raisedPreference for 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
- B2.A2.1.2appliedNo Vulnerability to Coercion or Pressure
Key Rule Quoted
“"A security risk may exist when an individual's immediate family... are not citizens of the United States or may be subject to duress."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 10, 2004
- Answer filedMar 23, 2004
- Hearing heldDec 7, 2004Applicant requested to supplement the record.
- Decision dateMar 29, 2005
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Citizenship
- Demonstrating No Vulnerability to Foreign Influence From Family Ties
- Successful Refutation of Allegations of Falsification in Security Clearance Applications