Summary
A U.S. citizen with dual citizenship in Turkey, who has worked for a U.S. defense contractor for over 23 years and held a security clearance since 1992, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant inherited a one-half interest in valuable real estate in Turkey from his parents and maintained Turkish citizenship to protect this financial interest, acknowledging that managing the property would be difficult otherwise. He had also previously used a Turkish passport, which he has since surrendered, and served as a private in the Turkish army for approximately four months. His immediate family members are U.S. citizens, though his sister is a citizen and resident of Turkey.
The judge found that the applicant successfully mitigated the security concerns. Key factors included his substantial financial interests in the U.S., which were determined to outweigh his interests in Turkey. His long history of holding a security clearance since 1992 demonstrated his reliability and trustworthiness.
Additionally, the applicant's sister, while a Turkish citizen, was found not to be affiliated with any foreign power and not in a position to be exploited. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant has substantial financial interests in the U.S. that outweigh his interests in Turkey.
- He has successfully held a security clearance since 1992, demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's sister, a Turkish citizen, is not affiliated with any foreign power and is not in a position to be exploited.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A3.1.2.1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedImmediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.8raisedSubstantial Financial Interest in a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedAssociates Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power
- E2.A3.1.2.3rejectedMilitary Service for a Foreign CountryThe applicant's prior military service to Turkey does not raise security concerns as his current allegiance is to the U.S.
- E2.A3.1.2.6rejectedUsing Foreign Citizenship to Protect Financial InterestsThe applicant's substantial financial interests in the U.S. mitigate concerns.
Key rule quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is eligible for a security clearance.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedOct 4, 2004
- Answer filedNov 8, 2004
- Hearing heldOct 25, 2005Applicant provided additional documents after the hearing.
- Decision dateJan 30, 2006
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties
- Consideration of Dual Citizenship in Security Clearance Cases
- Impact of Substantial U.S. Financial Interests on Foreign Preference Evaluations