Summary
A security clearance was granted to an applicant who was a dual citizen of a Middle Eastern country (FC) and the United States, despite concerns raised under Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's conduct included obtaining and using an FC passport for travel to and from FC on multiple occasions between 1993 and 1998. This was done not out of preference for FC, but due to fear of repercussions from FC authorities if he used his U.S. passport while they considered him an FC citizen.
The applicant obtained his FC passport in April 1993, after becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, and it expired in April 1999 without renewal. He also contacted FC interest sections in 1993 and 1995 to confirm his military service status and obtain an exemption for travel. While it was initially alleged he might renew his FC passport, this was no longer the case, especially given his willingness to renounce his FC citizenship.
The judge determined that the applicant's ties to FC did not pose a security risk. Key factors in the decision included the applicant's demonstrated strong preference for the United States, his willingness to renounce his FC citizenship, and the lack of adverse foreign influence from his family members in FC.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a strong preference for the United States over FC.
- The applicant expressed a willingness to renounce his FC citizenship if necessary.
- The applicant's family members in FC were not politically active and posed no threat of foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A3.1.2.1raisedExercise of Dual Citizenship
- E2.A3.1.2.2raisedPossession And/or Use of a Foreign Passport
- E2.A3.1.3.1appliedDual Citizenship Is Based Solely on Parents' Citizenship or Birth in a Foreign Country
- E2.A3.1.3.4appliedIndividual Has Expressed a Willingness to Renounce Dual Citizenship
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedImmediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power
Key Rule Quoted
“"When an individual acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for a foreign country over the United States, then he or she may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 9, 1999
- Answer filedNov 23, 1999
- Hearing heldFeb 23, 2000Postponed twice due to applicant's active duty.
- Decision dateMar 17, 2000
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions for Dual Citizenship Under Guideline C
- Consideration of Family Ties in Foreign Influence Cases
- Willingness to Renounce Foreign Citizenship as a Mitigating Factor