Summary
A 33-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Afghanistan, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to concerns about his family ties in Afghanistan. The applicant maintained frequent contact with his parents and some siblings, who are citizens and residents of Afghanistan, and sent them $200 monthly for living expenses. He also traveled to Afghanistan to work as an interpreter for international and U.S. forces.
The denial was based on several factors. The applicant's regular contact with family in Afghanistan created a potential for foreign influence. He did not provide sufficient evidence of deep and longstanding ties to the United States to outweigh his familial interests in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, the applicant failed to adequately document the nature and quality of his work for U.S. forces and his financial ties to the U.S., which left insufficient grounds for mitigation. Despite his naturalization as a U.S. citizen and his work as a linguist for U.S. forces, the judge found that the applicant did not sufficiently mitigate the risks associated with his close family relationships in a country with significant security threats. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained regular contact with family members who are citizens and residents of Afghanistan, creating a potential for foreign influence.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of deep and longstanding ties to the United States to outweigh his familial interests in Afghanistan.
- The applicant's failure to document the nature and quality of his work for U.S. forces and his financial ties to the U.S. left insufficient grounds for mitigation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant's contact with family members in Afghanistan creates a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships with family members in Afghanistan create a potential conflict of interest.
Key Rule Quoted
“The mere possession of close family ties with one or more family members living in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B; however, if an applicant has a close relationship with even one relative living in a foreign country, this factor alone is sufficient to create the potential for foreign influence and could potentially result in the compromise of classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 17, 2016
- Answer filedJul 6, 2016Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case decided on written record.
- Decision dateOct 10, 2017
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of Family Ties in Foreign Countries on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Foreign Influence Risks