Summary
A 42-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Russia, was granted a security clearance after addressing concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). Disqualifying conditions were raised regarding her family ties in Russia and potential foreign preference.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating limited contact with her Russian relatives. Furthermore, she renounced her Russian citizenship and returned her foreign passport in 2005, directly addressing foreign preference issues.
The judge found her assurances credible, citing her long history of employment in the U.S. and strong ties to the country. These factors collectively led to the decision to grant the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant has limited contact with her Russian relatives, mitigating foreign influence concerns.
- She renounced her Russian citizenship and returned her foreign passport, addressing foreign preference issues.
- Her long history of employment in the U.S. and strong ties to the country supported her credibility.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedForeign Influence - Conduct That May Make the Individual Vulnerable to Coercion
- E2.A3.1.2.1raisedForeign Preference - Exercise of Dual Citizenship
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedForeign Preference - Possession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedForeign Influence - Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power
- E2.A2.1.3.3appliedForeign Influence - Contact with Foreign Citizens Is Casual and Infrequent
- E2.A3.1.3.1appliedForeign Preference - Dual Citizenship Based Solely on Parents' Citizenship
- E2.A3.1.3.3appliedForeign Preference - Activity Is Sanctioned by the United States
- E2.A3.1.4.4appliedForeign Preference - Individual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
Key Rule Quoted
“Contacts with citizens of other countries are relevant to security determinations only if they make an individual potentially vulnerable to coercion, exploitation, or pressure through threats against those foreign relatives.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 15, 2005
- Answer filedMay 10, 2005Notarized response to SOR.
- Hearing heldSep 6, 2005Hearing conducted in person.
- Decision dateMar 3, 2006
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Limited Contact with Foreign Relatives
- Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship as a Mitigating Factor Under Guideline C
- Credibility Established Through Long-term Employment and Ties to the U.S.