Summary
A 39-year-old male applicant with a military background was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The Statement of Reasons cited a romantic relationship he maintained from October 2005 to January 2007 with an Indonesian woman he met online while living in Japan. She later relocated to Japan to be with him. This relationship raised a disqualifying condition under Adjudicative Guideline (AG) ¶ 7(a).
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these foreign influence concerns. He terminated the relationship and ceased all communication with the woman by March 2007, subsequently returning to the United States. The Adjudicator applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a) and AG ¶ 8(c), noting his credible remorse and acknowledgment of the complications the relationship presented.
Crucially, the applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S., including family connections and military service, which further alleviated any remaining foreign influence concerns. Based on these factors, his security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant terminated his relationship with the Indonesian woman and has not communicated with her since March 2007.
- He demonstrated credible remorse and acknowledged the complications his relationship created.
- The applicant has strong ties to the U.S., including family and military service, which mitigated concerns of foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member, Business or Professional Associate, Friend, or Other Person Who Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedThe Nature of the Relationships with Foreign Persons, the Country in Which These Persons Are Located, or the Positions or Activities of Those Persons in That Country Are Such That It Is Unlikely the Individual Will Be Placed in a Position of Having to Choose Between the Interests of a Foreign Individual, Group, Organization, or Government and the Interests of the U.S.
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedContact or Communication with Foreign Citizens Is so Casual and Infrequent That There Is Little Likelihood That It Could Create a Risk for Foreign Influence or Exploitation.
Key Rule Quoted
“The Administrative Judge considers the record evidence as a whole, both favorable and unfavorable, evaluates Applicant’s past and current circumstances in light of pertinent provisions of the Directive, and decides whether Applicant has met his burden of persuasion under Directive ¶ E3.1.15.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 28, 2007
- Answer filedMar 22, 2007Notarized response to SOR allegations.
- Hearing heldJun 5, 2007Hearing conducted with evidence submitted.
- Decision dateJul 19, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Termination of Relationships
- Consideration of Personal Ties to the U.S. in Security Clearance Decisions
- Application of Whole Person Analysis in Adjudicating Security Clearance Cases