Summary
A 45-year-old male, born in Taiwan, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to unmitigated concerns regarding his family ties to Taiwan. The Statement of Reasons cited that his mother, father, and sister are citizens and residents of Taiwan. Additionally, his mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law are also citizens and residents of Taiwan. The applicant also maintained friendships with three Taiwanese citizens and residents from his undergraduate years, who work in the technology industry.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline B were raised, specifically AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b), and AG ¶ 7(e). While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), and AG ¶ 8(c) were applied, they were ultimately deemed insufficient.
The denial was based on several factors. The judge determined that the applicant's immediate family members and in-laws, all citizens of Taiwan, created a heightened risk of foreign exploitation. Furthermore, the applicant did not demonstrate deep and longstanding ties to the United States that would adequately mitigate these security concerns. Finally, the applicant's testimony was found to be less than fully candid, which raised doubts about his overall credibility.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's immediate family members and in-laws are citizens of Taiwan, creating a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate deep and longstanding ties to the United States that would mitigate the security concerns.
- The applicant's testimony was deemed less than fully candid, raising doubts about his credibility.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)appliedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)appliedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(e)appliedShared Living Quarters with Foreign Contacts
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships with foreign family members are sufficiently close and continuing to preclude a conclusion that he will not face a conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to Foreign PersonsThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of deep ties to the U.S. to mitigate the concerns.
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant's contacts with three friends in Taiwan were deemed casual and infrequent.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 7, 2018
- Answer filedMay 18, 2018
- Hearing heldNov 13, 2018
- Decision dateFeb 19, 2019
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Foreign Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Importance of Demonstrating Deep Ties to the U.S. to Mitigate Foreign Influence Concerns
- Credibility of Applicant's Testimony as a Factor in Security Clearance Decisions.