Summary
A 46-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Jordan, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons highlighted that his parents and eight siblings are citizens and residents of Jordan. Additionally, the applicant held an expired Jordanian passport and dual citizenship.
To address these concerns, the applicant renounced his Jordanian citizenship and surrendered his expired passport, stating he had no intention of renewing it. He maintained monthly contact with his mother but only spoke with his siblings when visiting Jordan, and he never discussed his work with any family members abroad.
The decision to grant the clearance was based on the applicant's successful mitigation of the identified issues. He demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his immediate family and employment. Furthermore, it was established that his family members in Jordan are not agents of a foreign power and are not economically dependent on the Jordanian government.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant renounced his Jordanian citizenship and surrendered his expired passport.
- He demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his immediate family and employment.
- The applicant's family members in Jordan are not agents of a foreign power and are not economically dependent on the Jordanian government.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedForeign Preference Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedForeign Influence Mitigating ConditionApplicant's family members are not agents of a foreign power and do not pose a risk of coercion.
- E2.A3.1.2.6rejectedForeign Preference Mitigating ConditionApplicant successfully refuted the allegation of maintaining dual citizenship for financial interests.
Key Rule Quoted
“The 'whole person' concept-not the potentially disqualifying or mitigating conditions-is the heart of the analysis of whether an applicant is eligible for a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 4, 2005
- Answer filedAug 24, 2005
- Hearing heldDec 14, 2005
- Decision dateJun 16, 2006
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Through Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship
- Application of the 'whole Person' Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations
- Consideration of Family Ties in Foreign Preference Cases