Summary
A 56-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Yemen, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to significant financial and family ties in Yemen. The applicant, despite a stable financial history in the U.S. and employment with federal contractors, was found to have unmitigated foreign connections.
The Statement of Reasons detailed several financial interests in Yemen, including partial ownership in four apartments valued at approximately $50,000, and a 33% interest in four store spaces worth about $50,000, which generate $1,000 to $1,500 monthly rent and are managed by his brother. Other assets included a 50% interest in a warehouse and lot valued between $100,000 and $150,000, generating $5,000 to $10,000 annually, a 33% interest in a vacant lot worth $5,000 to $10,000, ownership of a farm valued at $5,000 to $10,000, and a 33% interest in a three-story house worth $30,000 to $35,000.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted substantial financial interests in Yemen, the presence of multiple family members residing there, and a failure to demonstrate sufficiently strong ties to the United States to mitigate the risks of potential foreign influence and coercion.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to having substantial financial interests in Yemen, including rental properties managed by his brother.
- The applicant has multiple family members residing in Yemen, which raises concerns of potential foreign influence and coercion.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that his ties to the United States were strong enough to mitigate the risks posed by his foreign connections.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)appliedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)appliedConnections Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(f)appliedSubstantial Business, Financial, or Property Interests in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Ties
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign Citizens
- AG ¶ 8(f)rejectedValue or Routine Nature of Foreign Interests Unlikely to Result in Conflict
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 2, 2021
- Answer filedMay 6, 2021
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision on the written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateDec 8, 2021
Cite for
- Denial Based on Substantial Foreign Financial Interests Under Guideline B
- Impact of Family Ties in Foreign Countries on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions