Summary
A 43-year-old U.S. citizen and design engineer, originally from Russia, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited that his parents and a sister reside in Russia, and he held dual U.S. and Russian citizenship, possessing a Russian passport. One allegation was withdrawn by the government.
To address these concerns, the applicant revoked his Russian citizenship and destroyed his Russian passport. He demonstrated a strong commitment to the U.S., having not returned to Russia since emigrating and establishing a successful life in the country.
The judge determined that the applicant's actions, including his minimal contact with family in Russia, indicated a clear preference and loyalty to the United States. Consequently, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant revoked his Russian citizenship and destroyed his Russian passport, demonstrating a commitment to the U.S.
- He has not returned to Russia since emigrating and has established a successful life in the U.S.
- The applicant's minimal contact with family in Russia did not indicate loyalty to his birth country.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedImmediate Family Members Are Citizens Of, and Residing in a Foreign Country.
- E2.A3.1.2.1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship.
- E2.A3.1.3.4rejectedWillingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship.The applicant had not yet completed the process of renouncing citizenship at the time of the hearing.
- E2.A3.1.3.4appliedWillingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship.The applicant successfully terminated his and his family's Russian citizenship.
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedDetermination That the Individuals in Question Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power.The applicant's family members in Russia were not considered agents of a foreign power.
- E2.A2.1.3.3appliedCasual and Infrequent Contacts with Foreign Citizens.The applicant's contact with his family in Russia was minimal.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The objective of the security clearance process is the fair-minded, commonsense assessment of a person's trustworthiness and fitness for access to classified information."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 31, 2005
- Answer filedMay 9, 2005
- Hearing heldDec 6, 2005Record held open until 03/01/2006 for additional evidence.
- Decision dateMay 17, 2006
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Whole Person Analysis in Security Clearance Determinations