Summary
A 49-year-old development technical engineer was denied a top secret security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's denial stemmed from his continued acceptance of a Turkish military pension and significant family ties to Turkish citizens.
Specifically, the applicant served in the Turkish Navy for almost 19 years, retiring in March 1995 and subsequently receiving a pension. His mother, brother, and two uncles are citizens and residents of Turkey, with his brother serving as a Turkish Air Force officer. Additionally, his sister is a resident citizen of Kuwait, and he traveled to Turkey in 2000.
Despite favorable character references, the judge determined that the applicant's ongoing acceptance of the Turkish military pension, even after renouncing foreign citizenship, indicated a preference for Turkey over the U.S. This, combined with his close family connections in Turkey, raised unmitigated concerns about potential foreign influence and coercion, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant continued to accept a Turkish military pension after renouncing his foreign citizenship, indicating a preference for Turkey.
- The applicant's close family ties to Turkish citizens raised concerns about foreign influence and potential coercion.
- Favorable character evidence did not mitigate the security concerns related to foreign preference and influence.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1appliedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
- E2.A3.1.2.4appliedForeign Preference - Accepting Benefits From a Foreign Government
- E2.A2.1.2.3appliedForeign Influence - Relatives Connected with a Foreign Government
- E2.A3.1.3.1rejectedForeign Preference - Dual Citizenship Based Solely on Parents' Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign CountryThe applicant's dual citizenship was based on more than just birth in a foreign country.
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign PowerThe applicant's brother is a military officer in the Turkish Air Force, considered an agent of a foreign power.
- E2.A3.1.3.4rejectedForeign Preference - Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual CitizenshipThe applicant's continued acceptance of pension benefits undermined this mitigating condition.
Key Rule Quoted
“Renunciation of foreign citizenship when becoming a naturalized citizen does not preclude the government from examining the security significance of an applicant's conduct after he takes the oath and becomes a citizen.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 8, 2004
- Answer filedJun 16, 2004
- Hearing heldMay 5, 2005
- Decision dateOct 28, 2005
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Foreign Preference Issues Related to Acceptance of Foreign Benefits Under Guideline C
- Impact of Dual Citizenship on Security Clearance Determinations