Summary
A 61-year-old retired U.S. military member was denied a security clearance under Guideline B, Foreign Influence, due to significant familial ties to Russia. The applicant's only child, a son, is married to a Russian citizen and has resided in Russia with her for the past nine years. This couple has two young children, who are dual citizens of Russia and the United States, also residing in Russia.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's son's father-in-law, who is a retired high-level officer in a Russian military intelligence organization known for working against U.S. security interests. The applicant had also traveled to Russia to visit his son and his family.
The denial was based on the applicant's close familial connections to individuals with potential foreign influence and the geopolitical risks associated with Russia. The judge concluded that these ties could make the applicant vulnerable to coercion or pressure, creating a potential conflict of interest.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's son is married to a Russian citizen and resides in Russia, raising concerns of foreign influence.
- The applicant's son-in-law's father is a retired Russian intelligence officer, creating a potential conflict of interest.
- The applicant's familial ties to Russia could make him vulnerable to coercion or pressure.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person
- AG ¶ 7(i)raisedConduct That May Make the Individual Vulnerable to Exploitation
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships with foreign persons were deemed significant enough to raise security concerns.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of InterestThe applicant's ties to his son and daughter-in-law were considered to create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent ContactThe applicant's contact with his son and family was not deemed casual or infrequent.
- AG ¶ 8(d)notedU.S. Government Business
- AG ¶ 8(e)notedPrompt Compliance with Reporting Requirements
Key Rule Quoted
“Foreign contacts and interests may be a security concern if the individual has divided loyalties or foreign financial interests, may be manipulated or induced to help a foreign person, group, organization, or government in a way that is not in U.S. interests, or is vulnerable to pressure or coercion by any foreign interest.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 8, 2008
- Answer filedJan 14, 2009
- Hearing heldAug 26, 2009
- Decision dateNov 9, 2009
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of Familial Ties to Foreign Nationals on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Vulnerability to Coercion Due to Foreign Connections