Summary
A 52-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, born in Israel, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited his dual citizenship, possession of a foreign passport, and the presence of immediate family members in a foreign country. These issues raised Disqualifying Conditions 1 and 2.
To mitigate these concerns, the applicant surrendered his Israeli passport and initiated the renunciation of his Israeli citizenship. He also demonstrated a strong preference for the U.S. over Israel, despite his family ties.
The judge applied Mitigating Conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4, noting the applicant's consistent compliance with security protocols since 1987 and his commitment to report any attempts to solicit classified information. The security clearance was granted, as no foreign influence risk was found.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant surrendered his Israeli passport and initiated the renunciation of his Israeli citizenship.
- He has maintained a security clearance since 1987 without incident.
- Applicant demonstrated a strong preference for the U.S. over Israel, despite family ties.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedImmediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
- DC 2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- MC 1appliedImmediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power
- MC 2appliedIndicators of Possible Foreign Preference Occurred Before Obtaining U.S. Citizenship
- MC 4appliedIndividual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- MC 3appliedContact and Correspondence with Foreign Citizens Are Casual and Infrequent
Key Rule Quoted
“The government bears the initial burden of proving, by something less than a preponderance of the evidence, controverted facts alleged in the SOR.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 18, 2003
- Answer filedJan 19, 2004Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldMay 27, 2004Hearing conducted in a city near Applicant's residence.
- Decision dateOct 19, 2004
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Citizenship
- Absence of Foreign Influence Risk Due to Family Ties
- Long-standing Security Clearance Without Incident as a Mitigating Factor