Summary
A U.S. security clearance was denied to an applicant who is a dual U.S.-Turkish citizen, based on concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The denial stemmed from the applicant's expressed willingness to bear arms for Turkey, his possession of a Turkish passport, and his intent to fulfill a Turkish military obligation through U.S. military service. He also contacted Turkish authorities regarding his passport and military service extension.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's extensive family ties to Turkey. His father, stepmother, sibling, step-siblings, and son are dual U.S.-Turkish citizens residing in the U.S., while three grandparents, three aunts, and an uncle are Turkish citizens and residents of Turkey. The applicant also traveled to Turkey multiple times, including in 1994 and 2002, and every two years prior to 1994.
The administrative judge found that the applicant's willingness to bear arms for Turkey indicated a preference for a foreign country over the U.S., and his close ties to Turkish citizen family members raised foreign influence concerns. His reluctance to renounce Turkish citizenship further demonstrated conflicting allegiances, leading to the denial of the security clearance due to insufficient mitigation of these issues.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant expressed a willingness to bear arms for Turkey, indicating a preference for a foreign country over the U.S.
- The applicant maintained close ties with family members who are Turkish citizens, which raised foreign influence concerns.
- The applicant's reluctance to renounce his Turkish citizenship further demonstrated conflicting allegiances.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedDual Citizenship
- DC 2raisedPossession of Foreign Passport
- DC 3raisedWillingness to Bear Arms for a Foreign Country
- MC 1rejectedCultural HeritageThe applicant's ties to Turkey were deemed more than mere sentiment.
- MC 3rejectedCasual and Infrequent ContactsThe applicant's relationships with his relatives were significant and could be exploited.
Key Rule Quoted
“"An applicant who acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for a foreign country over the U.S. may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interest of the U.S."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 21, 2003
- Answer filedMar 18, 2003
- Hearing heldJul 24, 2003
- Decision dateSep 3, 2003
Cite For
- Foreign Preference Concerns Due to Dual Citizenship
- Foreign Influence From Familial Ties to non-U.S. Citizens
- Willingness to Bear Arms for a Foreign Country as a Disqualifying Factor