Summary
A 44-year-old engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The Statement of Reasons cited several allegations, including contact with foreign family members in Jordan and Israel, connections to foreign interests that could create a conflict of interest or lead to coercion, and sharing living quarters with a person whose relationship could heighten the risk of foreign manipulation.
Further allegations included maintaining an Israeli identification card for visits to Israel and inheriting property in Jerusalem, Israel, which could subject him to foreign influence. The applicant was also alleged to have exercised a right or privilege of foreign citizenship after becoming a U.S. citizen.
The denial was based on the applicant's family members residing in Jordan and Israel, which created a heightened risk of foreign influence. His use of an Israeli identification card for travel was seen as indicating a preference for foreign documents over his U.S. passport. Additionally, the applicant's frequent visits to the region demonstrated a strong attachment to his family and birthplace, which raised security concerns, leading the judge to conclude that these ties posed a significant risk to national security.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has family members residing in Jordan and Israel, creating a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- He uses an Israeli identification card for travel, indicating a preference for foreign documents over his U.S. passport.
- The applicant's frequent visits to the region demonstrate a strong attachment to his family and birthplace, which raises security concerns.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7.araisedContact with Foreign Family MembersContact with family members who are citizens or residents of foreign countries creates a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7.braisedConnections to Foreign PersonsConnections to foreign individuals create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 7.draisedSharing Living QuartersSharing living quarters with foreign nationals increases the risk of foreign inducement.
- AG ¶ 7.eraisedSubstantial Business or Financial InterestOwnership of property in a foreign country subjects the individual to heightened risk of foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 10.araisedExercise of Foreign Citizenship RightsUse of an Israeli identification card indicates a preference for foreign citizenship.
- AG ¶ 8.arejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe relationships with foreign family members are such that the applicant is likely to be placed in a position of having to choose between their interests and U.S. interests.
- AG ¶ 8.brejectedNo Conflict of InterestThe applicant's strong attachment to his family and birthplace indicates a potential conflict of interest.
Key rule quoted
“An applicant has the ultimate burden of demonstrating that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue his security clearance.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 9, 2007
- Answer filedApr 30, 2007
- Hearing heldJul 26, 2007
- Decision dateOct 9, 2007
Cite for
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Foreign Preference Issues Related to the Use of Foreign Identification Under Guideline C
- The Burden of Proof on the Applicant to Demonstrate National Interest Alignment for Security Clearance.