Summary
Applicant, a 46-year-old system administrator for a defense contractor, was born in Libya and has immediate family residing there. He failed to provide sufficient information regarding his family ties, which raised security concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). Consequently, his application for a security clearance was denied.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant admits that his father, step-mother, seven brothers, and in-laws are residents and citizens of Libya and Tunisia (1.a). Applicant admits traveling on many short trips for business and for family pleasure (1.b). Applicant has provided no information regarding his family other than admitting to their existence (1.c). Applicant failed to provide any pertinent facts in response to the SOR (1.d). Applicant's family members could be used as instruments or victims of state coercion (1.e). Applicant's familial ties demonstrate vulnerability to foreign influence (1.f).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(i). The decision turned on the following: Applicant did not provide sufficient information about his family members in Libya and Tunisia to mitigate security concerns; The judge found that the applicant's familial ties created a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, pressure, or coercion.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant did not provide sufficient information about his family members in Libya and Tunisia to mitigate security concerns.
- The judge found that the applicant's familial ties created a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, pressure, or coercion.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedForeign Influence Disqualifying ConditionContact with a foreign family member creates a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7(i)raisedForeign Influence Disqualifying ConditionConduct while traveling outside the U.S. may make the individual vulnerable to exploitation.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of our national security is the paramount concern.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 11, 2006
- Answer filedOct 23, 2006Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMar 29, 2007
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Lack of Information About Family Ties
- Heightened Risk of Foreign Exploitation Due to Familial Connections in Libya and Tunisia
- Importance of Providing Detailed Information to Address Security Concerns Under Guideline B