Summary
A 56-year-old U.S. citizen and retired Marine Corps veteran was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to substantial family and financial ties to Thailand. The applicant has resided in Thailand since 2004, and the judge determined that these ongoing connections presented an unmitigated risk of foreign influence.
The Statement of Reasons specifically alleged that the applicant maintained ongoing family and financial connections to Thailand, triggering disqualifying conditions under Guideline B, paragraphs 7(a), 7(b), 7(e), and 7(f). While mitigating conditions 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), and 8(f) were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's significant financial interests and family ties in Thailand, which were deemed to raise security concerns. The applicant failed to demonstrate that these connections would not create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests and did not provide sufficient evidence of mitigating factors to alleviate the concerns raised by his foreign ties. The security clearance was DENIED.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has significant financial interests and family ties in Thailand, which raise security concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant did not demonstrate that his connections to Thailand would not create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of mitigating factors to alleviate the concerns raised by his foreign ties.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Country Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(e)raisedShared Living Quarters with Foreign Nationals
- AG ¶ 7(f)raisedSubstantial Financial Interests in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationship with Foreign Persons Unlikely to Create ConflictThe applicant did not demonstrate that his relationships would not place him in a position of conflict.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Minimal Loyalty to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's strong ties to Thailand undermine his loyalty to U.S. interests.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant's ongoing residency and family ties in Thailand do not support this condition.
- AG ¶ 8(f)rejectedValue of Foreign Interests Unlikely to Result in ConflictThe applicant's substantial financial interests in Thailand raise concerns.
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 issuedSep 29, 2017
- Answer filedOct 19, 2017Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateAug 21, 2018
Cite For
- Security Concerns Arising From Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Impact of Family and Financial Ties to Foreign Countries on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Burden of Persuasion on Applicant to Mitigate Foreign Influence Concerns