Summary
A 52-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Bulgaria, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline C (Foreign Preference), and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons highlighted his valid Bulgarian passport, which was effective until December 2005, and the fact that he had not used it since becoming a U.S. citizen. It also noted his family ties in Bulgaria, including parents, a brother, a mother-in-law, and a brother-in-law serving in the Bulgarian army, as well as his past financial support to his parents and friendships with Bulgarian citizens.
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He returned his Bulgarian passport and initiated the process to renounce both his Bulgarian citizenship and pension. He also demonstrated strong ties to the U.S., having resided there for nine years and been a naturalized citizen for three, and had lived and worked continuously in the U.S. since 1996.
The judge found the applicant's assurances credible, particularly his commitment to report any pressure attempts to U.S. officials. This was further supported by his exemplary work performance and positive assessments from supervisors. Ultimately, the security clearance was granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- Returned Bulgarian passport and initiated renunciation of citizenship and pension.
- Demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. as a resident for nine years and a naturalized citizen for three.
- Credible assurances to report any pressure attempts to U.S. officials, supported by positive assessments from supervisors.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedForeign Influence - Vulnerability to Coercion by a Foreign Government
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedForeign Preference - Possession of a Foreign Passport
- E2.A3.1.2.4raisedForeign Preference - Accepting Benefits From a Foreign Country
- E2.A3.1.3appliedForeign Preference - Actions to Renounce Foreign Citizenship
- E2.A2.1.3appliedForeign Influence - Evidence of Strong Ties to the U.S.
- E2.A5.2appliedPersonal Conduct - No Intent to Falsify Security Clearance Application
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 issuedNov 19, 2004
- Answer filedDec 9, 2004Notarized response to SOR.
- Hearing heldJun 27, 2005Hearing conducted in a city near the applicant's residence.
- Decision dateNov 8, 2005
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Citizenship
- Demonstrating Strong Ties to the U.S. as a Mitigating Factor for Foreign Influence
- Credibility of Applicant's Assurances Regarding Potential Foreign Pressure