Summary
A 50-year-old dual citizen of Iran and the United States was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's possession of an Iranian passport, initially issued in 1988 and used as recently as 2000 for travel to Iran, was a key factor. This demonstrated an exercise of dual citizenship and a preference for a foreign country.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's close family ties in Iran. His mother, father, five brothers, and two sisters are Iranian citizens residing in Iran. While his father is a U.S. permanent resident and his mother is in the process of becoming one, and one sister and one brother are liquidating assets to move to the U.S., the majority of his immediate family remains in Iran. His father is a retired Iranian constable from the Shah's regime, and one brother is a retired Iranian military Colonel. The applicant has traveled to Iran at least three times between 1992 and 2000 to visit family and expressed strong affection for them, actively working to bring them to the United States.
The judge determined that these close and extensive foreign ties, coupled with the possession of an Iranian passport, created significant unmitigated security risks. The applicant's willingness to renounce his Iranian citizenship did not sufficiently address the potential for foreign influence or the demonstrated foreign preference, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant possesses dual citizenship and an Iranian passport, indicating a preference for a foreign country.
- The applicant has immediate family members residing in Iran, creating potential for foreign influence.
- The applicant did not demonstrate that his foreign ties are infrequent or casual, leaving him vulnerable to coercion.
Conditions Referenced
- C1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship
- C2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- B1raisedImmediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
Key Rule Quoted
“An individual who demonstrates a foreign preference and has foreign connections may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 27, 2004
- Answer filedJun 17, 2004Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Written record only.
- Decision dateDec 20, 2004
Cite For
- Foreign Preference Due to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Foreign Influence Due to Immediate Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Lack of Mitigating Conditions for Foreign Preference and Influence Cases