Summary
The applicant, a 72-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Syria, sought a security clearance but was denied due to concerns under Guideline B (foreign influence) and Guideline E (personal conduct). The applicant's close family ties to individuals residing in Syria and Saudi Arabia, coupled with the political climates of those countries, raised significant security concerns that were not sufficiently mitigated by the applicant's assertions of loyalty to the U.S.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant has six children who were born in Syria or Saudi Arabia, are citizens of Syria or dual citizens of Syria and France, and live in Syria or Saudi Arabia (1.a). Applicant has not rebutted or mitigated the government’s security concerns under foreign influence (1.b). Applicant has two sons and a daughter who are Syrian citizens living in Syria. He has three additional sons who are Syrian citizens living in Saudi Arabia (1.c). In 2002, Applicant traveled to Syria to attend the marriage of one of his sons who lives in Saudi Arabia (1.d). Applicant’s daughter was born in Syria, and is a citizen and resident of Syria. She is married and is a homemaker in Syria (1.e). Applicant has three sons living in Saudi Arabia. Once every three months, Applicant calls his son who works for an agriculture company (1.f). In 2004, Applicant visited Syria to see his daughter. He stayed with his ex-wife and also saw his son who resided with his ex-wife (1.g). Applicant asserts he is loyal and owes allegiance to the U.S. He is proud to be an American. He states he has no affection for Syria, has no financial interest in any foreign country, owns no foreign property, and has no foreign business interests (1.h).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has multiple family members who are citizens of Syria and Saudi Arabia, creating a potential for foreign influence; The applicant failed to demonstrate that his relationships with foreign family members would not pose a security risk; The political and human rights situations in Syria and Saudi Arabia heighten the risk of coercion or exploitation.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has multiple family members who are citizens of Syria and Saudi Arabia, creating a potential for foreign influence.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that his relationships with foreign family members would not pose a security risk.
- The political and human rights situations in Syria and Saudi Arabia heighten the risk of coercion or exploitation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
Key Rule Quoted
“The mere possession of close family ties with a person in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 1, 2008
- Answer filedMay 7, 2008
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Decision dateNov 10, 2008
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Impact of Foreign Political Climates on Security Clearance Decisions
- Failure to Mitigate Security Concerns Related to Personal Conduct Under Guideline E