Summary
This security clearance decision involved an Iranian-born naturalized U.S. citizen and software engineer, with concerns raised under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The Statement of Reasons noted that the applicant had four siblings who are citizens and residents of Iran. It also stated that the applicant had traveled to Iran four times, with the last visit occurring in 2002. However, the applicant had no financial or property interests in Iran and did not discuss his work or duties with his family there.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline B were considered, but mitigating conditions were ultimately applied. The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S., having lived there since 1975 and becoming a naturalized citizen in 1992. He had also held a security clearance since 1993 and maintained a strong work history with a defense contractor.
The decision concluded that the applicant's ties to the U.S. were significantly stronger than his ties to Iran, and he had successfully mitigated the risks associated with foreign influence through limited contact with his family and a strong commitment to his U.S. citizenship. Consequently, the applicant's security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the applicant prevailed
- Applicant has lived in the U.S. since 1975 and became a naturalized citizen in 1992.
- He has held a security clearance since 1993 and has a strong work history with a defense contractor.
- Applicant's ties to the U.S. are significantly stronger than his ties to Iran, with no financial interests in Iran.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersApplicant has four siblings who are citizens and residents of Iran.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign CountryApplicant's siblings living in Iran create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsLimited contact with siblings makes it unlikely he will have to choose between U.S. interests and those of his family.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of InterestApplicant's deep and longstanding relationships in the U.S. outweigh any obligations to his family in Iran.
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedCasual and Infrequent ContactApplicant's contact with his siblings is infrequent and does not pose a significant risk.
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJul 9, 2008
- Answer filedJul 22, 2008
- Hearing heldOct 29, 2008
- Decision dateNov 6, 2008
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of Strong U.S. Ties in Security Clearance Decisions
- Impact of Infrequent Foreign Contact on Security Clearance Eligibility