Summary
A 45-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Iraq, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant, who served as a linguist for U.S. forces, faced allegations concerning contact with foreign family members, connections to a foreign country that could create a conflict of interest, and sharing living quarters with individuals whose relationships might pose a risk of foreign influence.
Specifically, disqualifying conditions were raised regarding his ongoing relationships with family members in Iraq, some of whom are current or retired Iraqi government employees or active military personnel. These connections were deemed to create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, pressure, or coercion, and a potential conflict of interest with his obligation to protect sensitive information.
Despite the applicant's efforts to mitigate these concerns, the judge determined that the ongoing familial relationships in Iraq were not sufficiently mitigated. The decision concluded that these connections presented an unacceptable risk of foreign pressure or attempted exploitation, leading to the denial of his security clearance application.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to mitigate security concerns arising from his family connections in Iraq.
- Ongoing familial relationships with individuals in Iraq create a heightened risk of foreign pressure or attempted exploitation.
- The applicant's family members include current and retired employees of the Iraqi government, which raises potential conflicts of interest.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(d)notedSharing Living Quarters with Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships with family members in Iraq create a potential for foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Loyalty to U.S.The applicant's ongoing family ties in Iraq diminish the likelihood of resolving conflicts in favor of U.S. interests.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant maintains regular contact with family members in Iraq.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 27, 2016
- Answer filedSep 18, 2016
- Hearing heldDec 7, 2016Applicant represented pro se.
- Decision dateMar 22, 2017
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Familial Connections Under Guideline B
- Impact of Foreign Influence on Security Clearance Eligibility
- The Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Applications