Summary
The applicant, a 48-year-old senior systems integration/test engineer, sought a security clearance under Guideline B due to family ties in Iran and Sweden. The judge found that while the applicant had foreign family connections, he demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. and took significant steps to mitigate security concerns, including destroying his Iranian passport. Ultimately, the applicant was granted eligibility for access to classified information.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant’s spouse is a dual citizen of Sweden and Iran living in the U.S (1.a). Applicant’s father is a citizen and resident of Iran (1.b). Applicant’s mother is a citizen and resident of Iran (1.c). Applicant’s two brothers are dual citizens of Iran and the U.S (1.d). Applicant’s mother-in-law and father-in-law are dual citizens of Iran and Sweden (1.e). Applicant traveled to Iran in December 2002 and November 1999 (1.f).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(b). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his long-term residency and family connections; He took significant steps to mitigate security concerns by destroying his Iranian passport; The applicant's relationships with his spouse and her family, who are citizens of Sweden, did not create a heightened risk of foreign influence.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his long-term residency and family connections.
- He took significant steps to mitigate security concerns by destroying his Iranian passport.
- The applicant's relationships with his spouse and her family, who are citizens of Sweden, did not create a heightened risk of foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of Interest Due to Strong U.S. Ties
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the revised adjudicative guidelines (AG).”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 8, 2008
- Answer filedMay 12, 2008
- Hearing heldAug 25, 2008
- Decision dateSep 2, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of Strong U.S. Ties in Security Clearance Decisions
- Impact of Personal Actions, Such as Destroying a Foreign Passport, on Security Clearance Outcomes.