Summary
A 43-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Taiwan, was granted a security clearance after successfully mitigating concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference).
The Statement of Reasons raised concerns regarding the applicant's foreign family ties, including his mother, two brothers, and three sisters-in-law, all citizens and residents of Taiwan. One brother serves as an officer in the Taiwanese Coast Guard, and a sister-in-law is employed as a librarian at a Taiwanese Government Research Facility. The applicant maintains monthly contact with his mother and less frequent contact with his brothers. His wife's sister also resides in Taiwan, with whom the applicant has little contact, though his wife speaks with her monthly. Additionally, concerns were raised about the applicant's prior exercise of dual citizenship and possession/use of a foreign passport.
The judge found that the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He renounced his Taiwanese citizenship and surrendered his Taiwanese passport, confirming he has not exercised any rights as a Taiwanese citizen since naturalization. Furthermore, he took affirmative steps to renounce potential inheritance rights to property in Taiwan. Based on these actions, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced his Taiwanese citizenship and surrendered his Taiwanese passport.
- He has not exercised any rights as a Taiwanese citizen since becoming a U.S. citizen.
- The applicant took affirmative steps to renounce potential inheritance rights in Taiwan.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A3.1.2.1rejectedThe Exercise of Dual Citizenship
- E2.A3.1.2.2rejectedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- E2.A3.1.2.6rejectedUsing Foreign Citizenship to Protect Financial or Business Interests in Another Country
- E2.A2.1.2.1appliedAn Immediate Family Member, or a Person to Whom the Individual Has Close Ties of Affection or Obligation, Is a Citizen Of, or Resident or Present In, a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.2appliedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Their Citizenship Status, If the Potential for Adverse Foreign Influence or Duress Exists
- E2.A2.1.2.3appliedRelatives, Cohabitants, or Associates Who Are Connected with Any Foreign Government
- E2.A2.1.2.8rejectedA Substantial Financial Interest in a Country, or in Any Foreign-owned or Operated Business That Could Make the Individual Vulnerable to Foreign Influence
- E2.A3.1.3.2appliedIndicators of Possible Foreign Preference (e.g., Foreign Military Service) Occurred Before Obtaining United States Citizenship
- E2.A3.1.3.4appliedIndividual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedA Determination That the Immediate Family Member(s) Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power or in a Position to Be Exploited by a Foreign Power
- E2.A2.1.3.2rejectedContacts and Correspondence with Foreign Citizens Are Casual and Infrequent
Key Rule Quoted
“The sole purpose of a security clearance determination is to decide if it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue a security clearance for an applicant.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 31, 2006
- Answer filedAug 14, 2006
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateJan 31, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Through Renunciation of Citizenship and Passport
- Consideration of Speculative Financial Interests in Foreign Property
- Impact of Familial Ties on Foreign Influence Determinations