Summary
A 57-year-old senior advisor engineer for a defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited his dual citizenship with the United States and Israel, his renewal of an Israeli passport after becoming a U.S. citizen, and the residency of his brother and sister in Israel. The applicant stated he was not fully aware of the security implications of possessing and traveling on a foreign passport.
Disqualifying conditions were raised regarding his foreign preference and foreign influence. However, the judge found that these concerns were mitigated. The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the United States, noting that his immediate family resides in the U.S. He also surrendered his Israeli passport upon learning of the security implications.
Crucially, the applicant had held a security clearance for over 22 years without any security violations. His brother and sister, along with their spouses, do not work for the Israeli government and are not agents of a foreign power. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant has held a security clearance for over 22 years without any violations.
- He surrendered his Israeli passport upon learning of the security concerns.
- His immediate family resides in the United States, demonstrating strong ties to the country.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A3.1.2.1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedImmediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
- E2.A3.1.3.1appliedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parents' Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedImmediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power
Key Rule Quoted
“"The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is eligible for a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 29, 2005
- Answer filedNov 30, 2005Applicant responded to SOR and requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldMay 1, 2006
- Decision dateJul 31, 2006
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Strong U.S. Ties
- Surrender of Foreign Passport as a Mitigating Factor
- Consideration of Family Ties in Security Clearance Decisions