Summary
This security clearance case involved a 48-year-old U.S. citizen with dual citizenship in Israel, raising concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited her dual Israeli citizenship, her use of an Israeli passport four times over 25 years to enter and leave Israel (which expired in 2005), and the fact that her six siblings-in-law and parents-in-law are citizens and residents of Israel.
Disqualifying conditions related to foreign preference were raised, specifically regarding holding dual citizenship and using a foreign passport. However, mitigating conditions were applied. The applicant demonstrated substantial connections to the United States, including her immediate family being U.S. citizens.
Crucially, she expressed a willingness to renounce her Israeli citizenship. The judge also noted that her use of an Israeli passport was a requirement under Israeli law, not an indication of preference for Israel over the U.S. Based on these factors, the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated substantial connections to the United States, including her immediate family being U.S. citizens.
- She expressed a willingness to renounce her Israeli citizenship, mitigating foreign preference concerns.
- The applicant's use of an Israeli passport was required by Israeli law and was not indicative of a preference for Israel over the U.S.
Conditions Referenced
- FP DC 1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship
- FP DC 2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- FP MC 4appliedIndividual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
Key Rule Quoted
“"The issuance of the clearance is 'clearly consistent with the interests of national security.'"”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 28, 2006
- Answer filedJul 24, 2006Notarized response to SOR.
- Hearing heldNov 30, 2006
- Decision dateMar 26, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Strong U.S. Ties
- Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship as a Mitigating Factor
- Consideration of the 'whole Person' Concept in Security Clearance Decisions