Summary
A 32-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from China, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The primary concerns stemmed from her family ties in China, specifically her parents, both age 65, who are citizens and residents of China. The applicant's sister is also a Chinese citizen residing in Japan.
Despite the applicant's strong work record and her efforts to sponsor her parents' immigration to the U.S., the judge determined that the potential for foreign influence and coercion remained significant. The applicant maintains regular contact with her parents, which was identified as increasing the risk of pressure from foreign entities.
Although mitigating conditions were considered, the overall risk posed by her family ties in China was deemed too great to overcome. The applicant has not returned to China since leaving at age 19 for education in the U.S., and her parents have never visited the United States. Ultimately, the security clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant's parents are citizens and residents of China, creating a significant security concern due to potential foreign influence.
- The applicant has regular contact with her parents, which increases the risk of coercion or pressure from foreign entities.
- The applicant's sister is a Chinese citizen living in Japan, but the overall risk of foreign influence from her family ties in China was deemed too great to mitigate.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant's contact with her parents creates a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's family ties create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships do not mitigate the risk of foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedMinimal Conflict of InterestThe applicant's loyalty to her family in China poses a significant risk.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent ContactThe applicant's contact with her parents is not infrequent or casual.
Key rule quoted
“The United States has a compelling interest in protecting and safeguarding classified information from any person, organization, or country that is not authorized to have access to it, regardless of whether that person, organization, or country has interests inimical to those of the United States.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedDec 6, 2016
- Answer filedJan 4, 2017
- Hearing heldSep 13, 2017Hearing was rescheduled due to a scheduling conflict.
- Decision dateMar 7, 2018
Cite for
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of Family Ties on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Risk of Foreign Exploitation Due to Family Connections in a Foreign Country