Summary
A 41-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Jordan, sought to retain his security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited his dual citizenship with Jordan and the U.S., his mother's Jordanian citizenship and residency, and the fact that some of his six siblings are also Jordanian citizens and residents. Additionally, the applicant had provided financial support to his mother and one brother in Jordan.
Disqualifying conditions were raised regarding these foreign ties. However, the applicant had not visited his family in Jordan since 1981 and maintained no ties to the Jordanian government. Mitigating conditions were applied, noting his demonstrated strong loyalty and allegiance to the United States.
The judge found that the applicant's family members in Jordan were not associated with the Jordanian government or intelligence services. His infrequent contact with family and lack of financial interests in Jordan further mitigated security concerns. Consequently, the applicant's security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated strong loyalty and allegiance to the United States over Jordan.
- The applicant's family members in Jordan are not associated with the Jordanian government or intelligence services.
- The applicant's infrequent contact with his family in Jordan and lack of financial interests there mitigated security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A3.1.2.1raisedForeign Preference Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedForeign Influence Mitigating ConditionThe applicant's family members are not agents of a foreign power or in a position to be exploited.
- E2.A2.1.3.3appliedForeign Influence Mitigating ConditionContact and correspondence with foreign citizens are casual and infrequent.
- E2.A3.1.3.1appliedForeign Preference Mitigating ConditionDual citizenship is based solely on birth in a foreign country.
- E2.A3.1.3.4appliedForeign Preference Mitigating ConditionThe applicant expressed a willingness to renounce dual citizenship.
Key Rule Quoted
“The mere possession of family ties with a person in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 29, 2003
- Answer filedOct 3, 2003Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldJun 24, 2004Hearing was postponed at the request of Applicant's attorney.
- Decision dateDec 20, 2004
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Lack of Family Ties to Foreign Government
- Demonstrated Loyalty to the United States Despite Dual Citizenship
- Evaluation of Foreign Preference Based on Actions Taken to Renounce Foreign Allegiance