Summary
A 47-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Egypt, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons alleged that the applicant's wife, father, brother, and two sisters are Egyptian citizens and residents. His son is an Egyptian citizen residing in the U.S., and his two daughters are dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens living in Egypt. The applicant provides $500 monthly to his children in Egypt and owns property there where his wife and daughters reside.
Additionally, the applicant had nine delinquent collection and charged-off debts totaling approximately $28,520. While the applicant successfully mitigated the financial issues under Guideline F, the judge found that the foreign influence concerns remained.
The denial was based on the applicant's immediate family residing in Egypt, which created a heightened risk of foreign influence and coercion. His financial support to family in Egypt raised concerns about divided allegiance, and his family ties in a country with significant terrorist activity and a poor human rights record were deemed a security risk.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's immediate family resides in Egypt, creating a heightened risk of foreign influence and coercion.
- The applicant provides financial support to his family in Egypt, which could lead to divided allegiance.
- The applicant's family ties in a country with significant terrorist activity and a poor human rights record raise security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedPotential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(e)raisedShared Living Quarters with Foreign Relatives
- AG ¶ 7(f)raisedSubstantial Financial Interests in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedFinancial Counseling
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 18, 2020
- Answer filedSep 28, 2020
- Hearing heldJul 13, 2021via video teleconference
- Decision dateSep 21, 2021
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Impact of Family Ties in a Foreign Country on Security Clearance Eligibility