Summary
A 37-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Iraq, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant, who had served commendably as a linguist for U.S. forces, faced allegations concerning his family connections in Iraq. Specifically, he has two brothers and two sisters who are citizens and lifelong residents of Iraq, with whom he maintains ongoing and regular communications. Additionally, the applicant had been threatened numerous times by terrorists due to his work with U.S. forces.
Despite the application of mitigating conditions, the judge determined that the applicant failed to adequately mitigate the security concerns. The regular contact with his siblings in Iraq was deemed to create a heightened risk of foreign pressure. Furthermore, the applicant's inconsistent statements regarding the number of threats he received raised doubts about his credibility.
Ultimately, the judge concluded that the ongoing familial ties and past threats posed a significant risk to national security, resulting in the denial of the security clearance application.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to mitigate security concerns arising from his family connections in Iraq.
- He maintained regular contact with siblings who are citizens and residents of Iraq, creating a heightened risk of foreign pressure.
- Inconsistent statements regarding the number of threats he received raised doubts about his credibility.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign Persons Unlikely to Create ConflictThe applicant has ongoing communications with siblings in Iraq, which creates a potential for conflict.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedMinimal Conflict of Interest Due to Deep Loyalties in the U.S.While he has established connections in the U.S., his long deployments in Iraq demonstrate ongoing commitments to his country of origin.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant's regular communication with family members in Iraq does not support this mitigating condition.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 15, 2016
- Answer filedDec 28, 2016
- Hearing heldAug 2, 2017Applicant appeared pro se.
- Decision dateJan 19, 2018
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Impact of Familial Ties in Foreign Countries on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Credibility Issues Arising From Inconsistent Statements Regarding Threats.