Summary
A 25-year-old U.S. citizen applicant was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guidelines C (Foreign Preference), E (Personal Conduct), and H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons alleged a preference for Israel over the United States, citing family connections, a past desire for dual citizenship, and multiple travels to Israel. Additionally, it noted intermittent marijuana use during college, including an attempt in September 2002 after applying for the clearance.
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. She affirmed her clear preference for the U.S. over Israel, traveling exclusively on her U.S. passport, and stated she had no intent to seek dual citizenship with Israel. Regarding drug involvement, she demonstrated no marijuana use for four years and expressed no intent for future use.
The applicant's full cooperation with investigators, including voluntarily clarifying her drug use history, further contributed to the favorable decision. Ultimately, the security clearance was granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant is a U.S. citizen who has traveled exclusively on her U.S. passport and affirmed her preference for the U.S. over Israel.
- She has no intent to seek dual citizenship with Israel in the future.
- The applicant has not used marijuana for four years and has no intent for future use.
- She fully cooperated with investigators and voluntarily clarified her drug use history.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A3.1.1raisedForeign Preference
- E2.A8.1.1.2.1raisedDrug Involvement
- E2.A5.1.2.3raisedPersonal Conduct
- E2.A3.1.2.9appliedForeign PreferenceThe applicant established she does not have a preference for Israel over the U.S.
- E2.A8.1.1.3.1appliedDrug InvolvementThe drug involvement was not recent.
- E2.A8.1.1.3.3appliedDrug InvolvementThe applicant demonstrated intent not to abuse any drugs in the future.
- E2.A5.1.1appliedPersonal ConductThe applicant had no intent to falsify information during her interviews.
Key rule quoted
“The responsibility for producing evidence initially falls on the Government to demonstrate that it is not clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue Applicant's access to classified information.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedAug 3, 2004
- Answer filedSep 24, 2004Notarized response to SOR.
- Hearing heldOct 27, 2005Notice of Hearing issued on 08/18/2005.
- Decision dateMay 16, 2006
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- Mitigation of Drug Involvement Concerns Under Guideline H
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Concerns Under Guideline E