Summary
The applicant, a 51-year-old linguist and U.S. citizen, faced security concerns under Guideline B due to her family ties in Jordan and the UAE. She mitigated these concerns by demonstrating her long-term commitment to U.S. national security through her employment and contributions as a linguist in the Middle East. The judge granted her eligibility for access to classified information, finding that her connections did not pose a significant risk to national security.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant’s mother, brother, and two sisters are citizens and residents of Jordan (1.a). Her brother is a citizen of Jordan and a resident of UAE (1.b). She provides about $350 monthly to her mother (1.c). She provides about $250 monthly to her brother who resides in Jordan to help pay for the education of his children (1.d). None of her relatives work for a foreign government (1.e). Applicant has frequent contact with her relatives, who are citizens and residents of Jordan and UAE (1.f).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7. The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has served as a linguist in the Middle East for seven years, contributing to U.S. national security; She has maintained consistent communication with her family in Jordan and UAE without any indication of foreign influence; The applicant renounced her Jordanian citizenship and has held a U.S. security clearance since 2010.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant has served as a linguist in the Middle East for seven years, contributing to U.S. national security.
- She has maintained consistent communication with her family in Jordan and UAE without any indication of foreign influence.
- The applicant renounced her Jordanian citizenship and has held a U.S. security clearance since 2010.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 8appliedMitigating Conditions for Foreign InfluenceThe applicant has established a long-term commitment to the U.S. and has no foreign government ties.
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 15, 2017
- Answer filedDec 27, 2017
- Hearing heldJun 12, 2018
- Decision dateSep 7, 2018
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of U.S. Citizenship and Employment in National Security Roles
- Consideration of Family Ties in Security Clearance Determinations