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ISCR Case 19-02091 — CASE

Case record

ISCR Case 19-02091

A decided public DOHA case, shown for research — not advice or a prediction.

Case Profile
Decision Date2/10/2020
Statusdenied
LevelHEARING
TypeADP POSITION
Participants
Applicant Representation: Pro Se
Judge: Elizabeth M. Matchinski
Government Counsel: Daniel F. Crowley
Case Summary
nd he attended college in the United States on a $200,000 scholarship from the Saudi Arabian government, which he received in 2011. The Department of Defense (DOD) issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) citing security concerns under Guideline B, foreign influence, due to Applicant's significant ties to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, including family members who are citizens of those countries.
In his response to the SOR, Applicant admitted the allegations but argued that his family members do not have ties to any organizations that would jeopardize U.S. interests. He emphasized the close alliance between Saudi Arabia, France, and the United States, and described his scholarship as a common opportunity for many Saudis. Despite these assertions, the administrative judge found that Applicant's connections to foreign nationals and his dual citizenship raised unresolved foreign influence concerns that were not sufficiently mitigated.
The administrative judge ruled against Applicant's eligibility for a public trust position, concluding that the foreign influence security concerns were not mitigated. The judge noted that Applicant had not established deep ties to the United States and that his significant connections to Saudi Arabia and Egypt posed a potential risk to national security.
Guidelines Evaluated
- Guideline BForeign Influence · For Applicant
- Guideline BForeign Influence · Against Applicant
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Case Headnote

ISCR Case No. 19-02091

deniedFeb 10, 2020· Hon. Elizabeth M. Matchinski· hearing

Summary

This security clearance decision involved a 29-year-old applicant, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, whose eligibility for a public trust position was denied under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The denial stemmed from significant foreign ties, specifically family members residing in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The administrative judge identified disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b), and AG ¶ 7(e), concluding that these connections created a potential for foreign influence and divided allegiance. Despite the applicant's assertions of loyalty to the U.S. and the absence of direct threats, the judge determined that these ties presented an unacceptable security risk.

A key factor in the denial was the applicant's inability to demonstrate deep and longstanding ties to the United States, which might have mitigated the concerns raised by his foreign connections. Consequently, the applicant's eligibility for a public trust position was denied.

Why the Applicant Was Denied

The applicant has significant foreign ties, including family members residing in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The applicant's connections create a potential for foreign influence and divided allegiance.
The applicant has not established deep and longstanding ties to the United States.

Conditions Referenced

Disqualifying

AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant's family members' foreign citizenship and residency create a heightened risk of foreign influence.
AG ¶ 7(b)raisedPotential Conflict of InterestThe applicant's connections to foreign nationals could lead to divided loyalty.
AG ¶ 7(e)raisedShared Living Quarters with Foreign NationalsThe applicant lives with family members who have foreign citizenship.

Key Rule Quoted

“A person is not automatically disqualified from holding a sensitive position because he has relatives with foreign citizenship or they live in a foreign country.”

Procedural Posture

SOR issuedAug 15, 2019
Answer filedSep 6, 2019
Hearing held—Decision issued after review of the record.
Decision dateFeb 10, 2020

Cite For

Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
Impact of Dual Citizenship on Security Clearance
Evaluation of Family Ties in Security Clearance Cases

Editorial summary generated for research. Not legal advice; not a prediction. Verify against the full decision before relying on any quoted language.

Full decision

The complete, official text — footnotes and signatures included — is in the original PDF.