Summary
The applicant, a 47-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Jordan, sought a security clearance under Guideline B due to foreign influence concerns stemming from family ties in Jordan and the UAE. The judge found that the applicant mitigated these concerns through his long-standing loyalty to the U.S., credible testimony regarding his willingness to report coercive attempts, and his service in a combat zone. Ultimately, the applicant was granted eligibility for access to classified information.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant has immediate family members who are citizens and residents of Jordan (1.a). Applicant has immediate family members who are citizens and residents of the UAE (1.b). Applicant has a sibling who is a Jordanian citizen and a resident of Qatar (1.c). Applicant has a sibling who is a Jordanian citizen and a resident of the UAE (1.d). Applicant has a sibling who is a Jordanian citizen and a resident of Jordan (1.e). Applicant has a child who is a Jordanian citizen and a resident of Jordan (1.f). Applicant has a child who is a Jordanian citizen and a resident of the UAE (1.g). Applicant traveled to Jordan three times since he immigrated to the United States (1.h). Applicant served in the Jordanian military for five years before immigrating to the United States (1.i). Applicant worked for a Jordanian government agency before immigrating to the United States (1.j). Applicant expects to inherit an interest in land in Jordan (1.k).
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 demonstrated strong ties and loyalty to the United States, having been a citizen since 2007; He credibly testified about his willingness to report any coercive attempts involving his family; The applicant's military service in Iraq under dangerous conditions supported his reliability and commitment to national security.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated strong ties and loyalty to the United States, having been a citizen since 2007.
- He credibly testified about his willingness to report any coercive attempts involving his family.
- The applicant's military service in Iraq under dangerous conditions supported his reliability and commitment to national security.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedForeign Contacts and Interests
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of Interest
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 10, 2010
- Answer filedMar 23, 2010
- Hearing heldAug 18, 2010
- Decision dateNov 22, 2010
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of Credible Testimony Regarding Coercion
- Consideration of Military Service in Evaluating Loyalty and Reliability