Summary
A 56-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Morocco, was denied a security clearance due to foreign influence concerns under Guideline B. The applicant's mother and nine siblings are Moroccan citizens, with one sibling holding a high-ranking position in the Moroccan government. The applicant maintains strong ties of affection and regular, close contact with these immediate family members.
These familial connections and the applicant's Moroccan citizenship raised disqualifying conditions related to foreign influence, specifically concerning immediate family members who are foreign citizens and a foreign government official. While mitigating conditions were considered, such as the applicant's long-term U.S. residency and American family, they were ultimately insufficient to overcome the identified risks.
The decision highlighted that the applicant's close contact with his Moroccan family, particularly the high-ranking government official, increased his vulnerability to potential coercion or pressure from foreign entities. These significant foreign ties were deemed to outweigh the positive factors, leading to the denial of his trustworthiness determination.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has immediate family members who are citizens of Morocco, including a high-ranking government official, creating a foreign influence concern.
- The applicant maintains regular and close contact with his family in Morocco, increasing his vulnerability to coercion or pressure from foreign entities.
- The applicant's citizenship in Morocco and familial ties were deemed significant enough to outweigh his positive factors, such as long-term U.S. residency and American family.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedAn Immediate Family Member Is a Citizen Of, or Resident or Present In, a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.3raisedRelatives Who Are Connected with Any Foreign Government
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedConduct Which May Make the Individual Vulnerable to Coercion, Exploitation, or Pressure by a Foreign Government
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedForeign Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power and Are Not in a Position to Be Exploited by a Foreign PowerApplicant's brother is a high-ranking agent of the Moroccan government.
- E2.A2.1.3.3rejectedContacts and Correspondence with Foreign Citizens Are Casual and InfrequentApplicant maintains regular and frequent contact with his mother and siblings.
Key rule quoted
“A Guideline B concern exists when an individual seeking a favorable trustworthiness determination is bound by ties of affection, influence, or obligation to immediate family in a foreign country.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedAug 31, 2006
- Answer filedSep 25, 2006Applicant elected to have the case determined on a written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case determined on written record.
- Decision dateOct 31, 2007Remand decision issued.
Cite for
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B Due to Familial Ties to Foreign Nationals
- Impact of Close Family Relationships with Foreign Government Officials on Trustworthiness Determinations
- The Significance of Citizenship in a Foreign Country When Assessing Vulnerability to Coercion