Summary
A 53-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had a documented history of alcohol abuse, including three arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in 1986, 1996, and 2005. He underwent a 28-day inpatient alcohol treatment program in 1995 and another inpatient recovery program from March to May 2005, where he was diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence. Despite continued aftercare, he experienced a relapse and admitted to ongoing alcohol consumption.
Regarding foreign influence, the applicant's wife, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in the People's Republic of China (PRC), has family residing in the PRC. Her mother and brother are citizens and residents of the PRC, and the applicant's wife maintains regular telephonic contact with her mother, sending her approximately $1,000 to $1,500 annually. The applicant's father-in-law, a PRC citizen, resides with the applicant and his wife in the U.S.
The judge determined that the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of recovery from alcohol dependence. Additionally, his connections to family members in the PRC were deemed to pose a security risk. Consequently, the applicant's request for a security clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol abuse, including multiple DUI arrests and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence.
- The applicant failed to provide recent, credible evidence of abstinence or participation in a recovery program.
- The applicant's foreign family ties raised concerns about potential divided loyalties and susceptibility to coercion.
Conditions referenced
- G.22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- B.6appliedForeign Contacts and Interests
- G.23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent BehaviorThe applicant's long history of alcohol abuse and recent relapse do not support this condition.
- G.23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Evidence of Actions TakenThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of a pattern of abstinence or responsible use.
- G.23(c)rejectedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant did not provide corroborated evidence of current participation in a treatment program.
- G.23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment and Established Pattern of AbstinenceThe applicant's claims of modified consumption were inconsistent with his diagnosis and lack of recent evidence.
Key rule quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJan 30, 2007
- Answer filedApr 4, 2007
- Hearing heldJan 29, 2008Converted to administrative determination.
- Decision dateMar 23, 2009
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol Dependence Issues
- Impact of Foreign Family Ties on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Evidence of Recovery From Alcohol Abuse as a Basis for Denial Under Guideline G