Summary
A 65-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Hong Kong, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The denial stemmed from concerns regarding his close relationships with family members residing in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan, as well as his wife's financial interests in Taiwan.
The Statement of Reasons cited the applicant's contact with foreign family members, which was deemed to create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, pressure, or coercion. Additionally, the applicant's spouse maintained a Taiwanese bank account and held investments in Taiwanese companies totaling approximately $187,000 USD, representing substantial foreign financial interests.
The judge determined that the applicant did not adequately mitigate the foreign influence concerns. Specifically, he failed to provide evidence to overcome the presumption of obligation to his immediate family members living abroad, and his wife's substantial financial interests in Taiwan were not sufficiently addressed. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained close relationships with family members in the PRC and Taiwan, which created a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- The applicant's wife had substantial financial interests in Taiwan, which were not sufficiently mitigated.
- The applicant did not provide evidence to overcome the presumption of obligation to his immediate family members living abroad.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant's contact with family members in the PRC and Taiwan created a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7(f)raisedSubstantial Financial Interests in a Foreign CountryThe applicant's wife's financial interests in Taiwan subjected him to a heightened risk of foreign influence.
Key Rule Quoted
“The United States has a compelling interest in protecting and safeguarding [sensitive] information from any person, organization, or country that is not authorized to have access to it, regardless of whether that person, organization, or country has interests inimical to those of the United States.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 7, 2016
- Answer filedJun 25, 2016Applicant elected a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateDec 14, 2017
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Heightened Risk Due to Family Ties in Foreign Countries
- The Burden of Proof on the Applicant to Mitigate Foreign Influence Risks