Summary
The applicant, a 46-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Russia, sought a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). Despite familial ties to Russian citizens, the applicant demonstrated strong connections to the U.S. and a commitment to national interests, leading to the granting of his security clearance.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant’s 70-year-old mother, a Russian citizen, resides in Russia. She is a high-school teacher and a part-time school tutor, for which she collectively earns approximately $400 per month. She also receives a $300 monthly pension similar to U.S. social security. Applicant has visited his mother in Russia (and his father before he passed away) at least once a year since he obtained his U.S. passport in 2003, and speaks to her every day by phone. His mother visits him in the United States approximately once a year. Applicant plans to sponsor his mother’s immigration to the United States within the next three years (1.b). Applicant’s 56-year-old mother-in-law (MIL) and his 58-year-old father-in-law (FIL) are Russian citizens residing in Russia. His MIL is retired from a factory as an accountant. His FIL is a truck driver for a construction company. He has visited his in-laws with his wife on three occasions between 2013 and 2017, during his visits to Russia to see his own mother. His wife speaks to his MIL everyday by phone, and with his FIL approximately twice per month by phone. Applicant generally speaks to his in-laws only on holidays and their birthdays (1.c).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(b). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has established deep and longstanding relationships and loyalties in the United States; He has no intent to return to Russia and considers the U.S. his permanent home; The applicant plans to sponsor his mother for immigration to the U.S., further solidifying his ties to the country.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant has established deep and longstanding relationships and loyalties in the United States.
- He has no intent to return to Russia and considers the U.S. his permanent home.
- The applicant plans to sponsor his mother for immigration to the U.S., further solidifying his ties to the country.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant's ties to his mother and in-laws in Russia create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's connections to Russian citizens create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedNo Conflict of InterestThe applicant's loyalty to the U.S. is strong, and he has significant ties to the country.
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedFeb 28, 2017
- Answer filedMar 16, 2017
- Hearing heldFeb 1, 2018
- Decision dateMar 27, 2018
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of U.S. Ties in Security Clearance Determinations
- Consideration of Familial Relationships in Security Clearance Cases