Summary
A 35-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Iraq, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence), E (Personal Conduct), and J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant's immediate family members reside in Iraq, and his father is a former Iraqi ministry employee. The applicant provided significant financial assistance to his family for emergencies. These ties raised concerns about potential foreign influence.
Additionally, the applicant had a history of personal misconduct and dishonesty. He was terminated from a position in Iraq for violating U.S. Mission Iraq rules and policies and for deliberately making false statements to an investigator. He also made false statements to Department of State investigators regarding unauthorized access attempts while working for the Department of Defense (DOD).
Further issues included the misuse and wrongful possession of a blue badge after his secret security clearance was suspended and his termination by DOD-C. He also left a compound for personal business without a protective security escort and took unauthorized photographs while working for DOD. The judge concluded that the applicant's pattern of dishonesty and lack of candor undermined his trustworthiness, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has immediate family members who are citizens and residents of Iraq, creating a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- The applicant was terminated from employment for multiple violations of U.S. Mission Iraq policies, including making false statements during an investigation.
- The applicant's conduct demonstrated a pattern of dishonesty and lack of candor, undermining trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedForeign Influence - Contact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedForeign Influence - Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(c)raisedForeign Influence - Sharing Living Quarters with Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 16(b)raisedPersonal Conduct - Deliberately Providing False Information
- AG ¶ 16(d)raisedPersonal Conduct - Pattern of Dishonesty
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedForeign Influence - Nature of Relationships Unlikely to Create ConflictThe applicant's ongoing familial relationships in Iraq raise significant security concerns.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedForeign Influence - Minimal Conflict of InterestThe applicant's deep ties to Iraq outweigh his connections to the U.S.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedForeign Influence - Casual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant's communication with family in Iraq is neither casual nor infrequent.
- AG ¶ 17(a)rejectedPersonal Conduct - Prompt Efforts to Correct OmissionsThe applicant did not demonstrate good-faith efforts to correct his false statements.
- AG ¶ 17(c)rejectedPersonal Conduct - Minor Offense or Time PassedThe applicant's actions were serious and indicative of a pattern of dishonesty.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 12, 2016
- Answer filedMay 31, 2016
- Hearing heldNov 15, 2016as scheduled
- Decision dateFeb 22, 2017
Cite For
- Heightened Risk of Foreign Influence Due to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- Lack of Candor and Dishonesty as Disqualifying Factors Under Guideline E
- The Importance of National Security in Security Clearance Determinations.