Summary
A 57-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Israel was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's immediate family, including her son, daughter, and their families, as well as her two sisters, are citizens of and reside in Israel. Her son and daughter's families are also dual citizens of the U.S. and Israel.
Disqualifying conditions included the applicant's exercise of dual citizenship and her possession and/or use of a foreign passport. While a mitigating condition was applied, acknowledging that her family members were not agents of a foreign power, this was insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's refusal to surrender her Israeli passport, which was interpreted as a preference for Israel over the United States. Her dual citizenship and use of the Israeli passport raised significant foreign preference concerns, and her prior statements indicated a primary allegiance to Israel, undermining her claims of loyalty to the United States.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained an Israeli passport and refused to surrender it, indicating a preference for Israel over the United States.
- The applicant's dual citizenship and use of her Israeli passport raised significant foreign preference concerns.
- The applicant's prior statements indicated a primary allegiance to Israel, which undermined her claims of loyalty to the United States.
Conditions Referenced
- C E2.A3.1.2.1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship
- C E2.A3.1.2.2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- B E2.A2.1.2.1raisedImmediate Family Member Is a Citizen of a Foreign Country
- B E2.A2.1.3.1appliedFamily Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power
Key Rule Quoted
“The possession and use of a foreign passport in preference to a United States passport raises doubt as to whether the person's allegiance to the United States is paramount.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 20, 2006
- Answer filedApr 12, 2006Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldJul 26, 2006
- Decision dateOct 25, 2006
Cite For
- Foreign Preference Concerns Related to Dual Citizenship and Passport Possession
- Mitigating Factors Regarding Family Members Not Being Agents of a Foreign Power
- Impact of Expressed Allegiance on Trustworthiness Determinations