Summary
A 59-year-old dual citizen of Iraq and the U.S. was denied security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant, who has resided in the U.S. since 2015, faced allegations concerning her continued ties to Iraq, which included family members residing there, ownership of property valued at approximately $400,000, and an apartment. Additionally, she receives a monthly retirement benefit from the Iraqi government.
The applicant admitted to all allegations. The judge determined that her connections to family in Iraq created a heightened risk of foreign exploitation and coercion. Despite the applicant's naturalization and U.S. residency, the judge found that she did not adequately mitigate the risks associated with these ties.
Ultimately, the applicant failed to demonstrate that she would resolve any potential conflict of interest in favor of U.S. interests. Consequently, the judge concluded that granting security clearance would not be consistent with national interest, and the clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to all allegations regarding foreign influence, including family ties and property ownership in Iraq.
- The applicant's connections to family members in Iraq created a heightened risk of foreign exploitation and coercion.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that she would resolve any potential conflict of interest in favor of U.S. interests.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant maintains contact with family members in Iraq, creating a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's connections to family in Iraq create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 7(f)raisedSubstantial Property Interests in a Foreign CountryThe applicant owns property in Iraq, which subjects her to a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 8(e)appliedCompliance with Reporting RequirementsThe applicant complied with reporting requirements regarding her family in Iraq.
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships with her family in Iraq were deemed to create a risk of conflict.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of InterestThe applicant did not demonstrate that her loyalty to the U.S. would outweigh her ties to Iraq.
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJul 28, 2023
- Answer filedAug 25, 2023Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateAug 8, 2024
Cite for
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of Dual Citizenship on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Criteria for Mitigating Foreign Influence Risks