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Summary

A 48-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Taiwan, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The Statement of Reasons noted that the applicant's mother, siblings, father-in-law, and wife's grandmother reside in Taiwan. The applicant maintains somewhat regular contact with his mother and less frequent contact with his siblings, while his wife communicates with her father. The applicant typically visits Taiwan at least once a year, staying with relatives, to allow his daughter to connect with her family there.

However, the decision to grant the clearance was based on several mitigating factors. The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his education, citizenship, and family. He also had a consistent history of safeguarding sensitive U.S. information since 2001.

Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant's professional and personal commitments within the U.S. significantly outweighed any potential risks associated with his familial connections in Taiwan, which were considered weak in comparison to his U.S. ties.

Why the Applicant Prevailed

• The applicant established strong ties to the U.S. through education, citizenship, and family.
• He has a history of safeguarding sensitive U.S. information since 2001.
• The applicant's familial connections to Taiwan were deemed weak compared to his commitments in the U.S.

Conditions Referenced

Key Rule Quoted

“A person is not per se disqualified from holding a security clearance because they have familial, financial, or other ties to a foreign country.”

Procedural Posture

• SOR issuedJun 17, 2016
• Answer filed—
• Hearing heldFeb 6, 2018Hearing convened as scheduled.
• Decision dateJul 2, 2018

Cite For

• Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
• Importance of Strong U.S. Ties in Foreign Influence Cases
• Consideration of Familial Connections in Security Clearance Determinations