Summary
This case involved a naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Turkey, who sought a security clearance. The Statement of Reasons raised concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct), specifically alleging that the applicant's family connections in Turkey could pose a security risk. Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a) and AG ¶ 7(b) were cited.
However, the administrative judge found that the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating strong ties to the United States. Mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), and AG ¶ 8(c) were applied. The applicant established significant connections to the U.S., including marriage to a U.S. citizen and ownership of two homes.
The judge determined that the applicant's ongoing relationships with family members in Turkey were unlikely to create a conflict of interest or risk of coercion. The applicant's substantial financial and social connections within the U.S. further indicated loyalty to U.S. interests. Consequently, the applicant was granted national security eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant established strong ties to the U.S., including marriage to a U.S. citizen and ownership of two homes in the U.S.
- The applicant's ongoing relationships with family members in Turkey were deemed unlikely to create a conflict of interest or risk of coercion.
- The applicant's financial and social connections in the U.S. were significant, indicating loyalty to U.S. interests.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant has family members residing in Turkey, which raises concerns of foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's familial connections could create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe relationships with family members in Turkey were unlikely to place the applicant in a position of divided allegiance.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of InterestThe applicant's deep and longstanding ties to the U.S. indicated she would resolve any potential conflicts in favor of U.S. interests.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent ContactThe applicant maintains ongoing communication with her mother and sister in Turkey.
Key Rule Quoted
“The mere possession of close family ties with a person in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 9, 2018
- Answer filedDec 6, 2018
- Hearing heldMay 31, 2019Applicant requested to leave the record open until June 7, 2019.
- Decision dateJul 16, 2019
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of Strong U.S. Ties in Security Clearance Cases
- Consideration of Familial Relationships in Assessing Foreign Influence Risks