Summary
A 61-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Bangladesh, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's close family ties in Bangladesh, including a mother, siblings, and mother-in-law, were a primary concern. He maintains regular contact with these relatives through weekly phone calls and annual visits.
The Statement of Reasons cited potential heightened risks of foreign exploitation, manipulation, or coercion due to these contacts and connections. It also noted the possibility of a conflict of interest between his obligation to protect sensitive information and a desire to assist foreign persons or countries. While the applicant receives a modest military pension from the Bangladeshi government for service that ended in 1994, this specific concern under Guideline C was successfully mitigated.
Ultimately, the security clearance was denied based on the judge's finding of a heightened risk of foreign influence stemming from the applicant's familial connections and ongoing contact with relatives in Bangladesh, which could lead to divided allegiance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has close family ties in Bangladesh, including a mother, siblings, and a mother-in-law, which create a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- The applicant maintains regular contact with his family in Bangladesh, including weekly phone calls and annual visits, which could lead to divided allegiance.
- The applicant's acceptance of a military pension from Bangladesh raises concerns about potential foreign influence.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Government
- AG ¶ 7(e)notedShared Living Quarters with Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationship with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's close family ties create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedMinimal Conflict of InterestThe applicant's sense of obligation to his family is not minimal.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent ContactThe applicant maintains regular and significant contact with his family.
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 issuedJan 30, 2017
- Answer filedApr 12, 2017
- Hearing heldSep 20, 2017Hearing conducted as scheduled.
- Decision dateNov 6, 2017
Cite for
- Heightened Risk of Foreign Influence Due to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- Successful Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns Under Guideline C
- Consideration of Foreign Influence in the Context of National Security