Summary
A 56-year-old U.S. citizen and retired Marine was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to unresolved concerns regarding his continuing family and financial connections to Thailand. Despite his prior military service and previous clearance, the applicant's ties to Thailand raised questions about his allegiance and potential for foreign influence.
The Statement of Reasons specifically cited the applicant's ongoing family and financial interests in Thailand as disqualifying conditions. While several mitigating conditions were considered, the applicant ultimately failed to demonstrate that these connections would not create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests or pose a risk to national security.
Consequently, the applicant did not adequately mitigate the security concerns, leading to the denial of his security clearance application.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to mitigate security concerns arising from his continuing family and financial connections to Thailand.
- The applicant did not demonstrate that his ties to Thailand would not create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests.
- The applicant's financial interests in Thailand raised questions about his allegiance and potential for foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Country Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(e)raisedShared Living Quarters with Foreign Nationals
- AG ¶ 7(f)raisedSubstantial Financial Interests in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationship with Foreign Persons Unlikely to Create ConflictThe applicant did not clearly demonstrate that it is unlikely he could be placed in a position of having to choose between the interests of a foreign individual or government and those of the United States.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to Foreign PersonsInsufficient evidence demonstrating deep and longstanding relationships and loyalties in the United States.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant's ongoing residency and relationships in Thailand did not support this condition.
- AG ¶ 8(f)rejectedRoutine Nature of Foreign Financial Interests Unlikely to Result in ConflictThe applicant has significant financial interests in Thailand, which could be used to influence him.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 29, 2017
- Answer filedOct 19, 2017
- Hearing heldAug 21, 2018
- Decision dateMar 14, 2019Decision confirmed after remand.
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Failure to Mitigate Foreign Influence Despite Military Service and Previous Clearance
- Impact of Substantial Foreign Financial Interests on National Security Eligibility.