Summary
A 33-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Serbia and Montenegro, was granted a security clearance while working as a principal investigator for a defense contractor. The decision addressed concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference).
Initial concerns stemmed from the applicant's family residing in Serbia and Montenegro, specifically his parents and sister, all of whom are resident citizens. Additionally, the applicant had traveled to Serbia and Montenegro in 1997, 2001, 2002, and 2004. Further issues arose from his previous dual citizenship with Serbia and Montenegro (formerly Yugoslavia), his possession of a Yugoslavian passport, and his use of that passport instead of his U.S. passport.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by renouncing his foreign citizenship and surrendering his foreign passport. It was also established that his family members in Serbia and Montenegro have no connections to that country's government or military. The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his employment, education, and family life, ultimately leading to the clearance being granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced his foreign citizenship and surrendered his foreign passport.
- The applicant's family members are not connected to the government or military of Serbia and Montenegro.
- The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his employment, education, and family life.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedForeign Influence
- DC 1raisedForeign Preference
- DC 2raisedForeign Preference
- MC 1appliedForeign InfluenceThe applicant's family members are not agents of a foreign power.
- MC 5appliedForeign PreferenceThe applicant has no financial interests in Serbia and Montenegro.
- MC 1appliedForeign PreferenceThe applicant expressed a willingness to renounce dual citizenship.
- MC 4appliedForeign PreferenceThe applicant complied with the Money Memorandum.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 26, 2005
- Answer filedJun 2, 2005
- Hearing heldSep 28, 2005
- Decision dateFeb 21, 2006
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties
- Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship as a Mitigating Factor
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions