Summary
The applicant, a 45-year-old Arabic linguist and U.S. citizen born to Sudanese parents, sought a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to familial ties in Sudan and the UAE. The judge found that the applicant mitigated security concerns based on his long-term residence in the U.S., lack of communication with his foreign relatives, and strong professional endorsements, ultimately granting the clearance.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant’s father is a resident and citizen of Sudan (1.a). Applicant’s father retired from the United Nations (1.b). Applicant’s mother-in-law is a citizen of Egypt and resident of Sudan (1.c). Applicant’s father-in-law is a citizen and resident of Sudan (1.d). Applicant’s youngest sister was born in Kuwait, is a citizen of Sudan, and formerly resided in the UAE (1.e). Applicant’s stepmother is a citizen and resident of Sudan (1.f). Applicant’s former stepfather is a citizen and resident of Sudan (1.g). Applicant resided in the United Arab Emirates from September 1996 to February 2000 (1.h). Applicant resided in Sudan from October 1995 to August 1996 (1.i).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7. The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8, AG ¶ 2(a). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has lived continuously in the U.S. since 2000, demonstrating strong ties to the country; He has not communicated with his father, a citizen of Sudan, since 2005, and described their relationship as poor; The applicant's wife, a naturalized U.S. citizen, has limited communication with her mother in Sudan and does not support her financially; The applicant received strong endorsements from his employer, highlighting his trustworthiness and professional competence.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant has lived continuously in the U.S. since 2000, demonstrating strong ties to the country.
- He has not communicated with his father, a citizen of Sudan, since 2005, and described their relationship as poor.
- The applicant's wife, a naturalized U.S. citizen, has limited communication with her mother in Sudan and does not support her financially.
- The applicant received strong endorsements from his employer, highlighting his trustworthiness and professional competence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 8appliedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 2(a)appliedWhole Person Concept
Key Rule Quoted
“An administrative judge’s over-arching adjudicative goal is a fair, impartial and common sense decision.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 17, 2007
- Answer filedOct 25, 2007
- Hearing heldJan 23, 2008
- Decision dateJul 31, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of Strong Professional Endorsements in Security Clearance Cases
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Adjudication