Summary
A security clearance was denied to an applicant who is a dual citizen of Tunisia and the United States, based on concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant retained his Tunisian passport and citizenship, citing family ties and property interests in Tunisia, and has used this passport for travel to Tunisia since becoming a U.S. citizen, with his last trip occurring in 2003. He expressed an unwillingness to relinquish the ability to travel freely to Tunisia to visit family, stating this as his reason for retaining the passport.
The applicant has significant family connections in Tunisia, including his mother, nine siblings, and property interests. His mother and siblings reside in Tunisia; one brother is a retired police officer and another is a school teacher, though no other siblings work for the Tunisian government or are in a position to influence the applicant. He sends his mother between $5,000 and $10,000 annually out of a sense of filial responsibility.
The judge determined that the applicant's retention and use of a Tunisian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen indicated a preference for Tunisia. Furthermore, his extensive family ties in Tunisia, including an elderly mother and siblings, raised foreign influence concerns. The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to mitigate these allegations of foreign preference and influence, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The Applicant retained and used a Tunisian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen, indicating a preference for Tunisia.
- He has extensive family ties in Tunisia, including an elderly mother and siblings, which raises foreign influence concerns.
- The Applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the allegations of foreign preference and influence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 6(a)raisedForeign Preference
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedForeign Influence
Key Rule Quoted
“The eligibility guidelines established in the DoD Directive identify personal characteristics and conduct which are reasonably related to the ultimate question of whether it is "clearly consistent with the national interest" to grant an Applicant's request for access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 4, 2003
- Answer filedJun 24, 2003
- Hearing heldSep 23, 2003
- Decision dateJan 30, 2004
Cite For
- Foreign Preference Concerns Due to Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Foreign Influence Due to Family Ties in a Foreign Country Under Guideline B
- Insufficient Mitigation of Security Concerns Related to Foreign Connections