Summary
The applicant, a 39-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Sudan, sought a security clearance under Guidelines B (foreign influence) and F (financial considerations). Despite mitigating some financial concerns, the applicant's familial connections to Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines raised significant foreign influence issues, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant’s mother, father, and sister are citizens of Sudan and residents of Saudi Arabia (1.a). Applicant’s two brothers are citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia (1.b). Applicant’s brother is a citizen and resident of Sudan, and he is employed by the Sudan government (1.c). Applicant sent about $70,000 to his mother in Saudi Arabia (1.g). Applicant sent about $4,000 to his brother in Sudan (1.h). Applicant’s spouse is a citizen and resident of the Philippines (1.j). failed to file his federal income tax returns as required for tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014 (2.a).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 6(a), AG ¶ 6(b), AG ¶ 6(c), AG ¶ 18(a). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has familial connections to countries with significant security concerns, including Sudan and Saudi Arabia; The applicant communicates regularly with family members residing in these countries, which raises foreign influence issues; The applicant's spouse is a citizen and resident of the Philippines, adding to the foreign influence concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has familial connections to countries with significant security concerns, including Sudan and Saudi Arabia.
- The applicant communicates regularly with family members residing in these countries, which raises foreign influence issues.
- The applicant's spouse is a citizen and resident of the Philippines, adding to the foreign influence concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 6(a)raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 6(b)raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 6(c)raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 18(a)raisedFinancial Considerations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant filed overdue tax returns and paid owed taxes.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 21, 2016
- Answer filedJan 24, 2017
- Hearing heldSep 10, 2018
- Decision dateOct 16, 2018
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Related to Familial Connections Under Guideline B
- Mitigating Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Evaluation of Foreign Influence Based on Applicant's Communication with Family Abroad