Summary
A 33-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Iraq, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant, who served commendably as a linguist for U.S. forces, maintained ongoing close familial connections with his parents, siblings, and in-laws, all residents and citizens of Iraq. These relationships were identified as creating a heightened risk of foreign pressure or exploitation, particularly from terrorist or anti-U.S. groups in Iraq who might threaten the applicant or his family to gain intelligence or act against U.S. interests.
Further concerns included the applicant having been personally attacked and stabbed due to his prior service with U.S. forces in Iraq, with his family members aware of his continued activities there. Additionally, the applicant had provided significant financial support to many family members in Iraq since 2010.
Despite the application of mitigating conditions, the judge found that the applicant failed to demonstrate he could avoid a conflict between U.S. interests and his familial obligations. The ongoing close ties and the potential for foreign pressure or exploitation, coupled with the risk of a conflict of interest regarding classified information, led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has ongoing close familial connections with relatives in Iraq, creating a heightened risk of foreign pressure or exploitation.
- The applicant's relationships with family members in Iraq present a potential conflict of interest regarding his obligation to protect classified information.
- The applicant did not demonstrate that he could avoid being placed in a position of conflict between U.S. interests and his familial obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- B.7.araisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- B.7.braisedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- B.8.arejectedNature of Relationship with Foreign Persons Unlikely to Create ConflictThe applicant's close relationships with family members in Iraq create significant potential for conflict of interest.
- B.8.brejectedMinimal Conflict of Interest Due to Loyalty to U.S.The applicant's connections to the U.S. are minimal and recent.
- B.8.crejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant's contact with family members is regular and significant.
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 29, 2016
- Answer filedJan 15, 2017
- Hearing heldJul 28, 2017Hearing transcript received on August 8, 2017.
- Decision dateNot specifiedDecision issued after the hearing.
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- Potential Conflict of Interest Arising From Foreign Connections
- Failure to Mitigate Foreign Influence Risks Despite Commendable Service