Summary
The applicant, a 46-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from the People's Republic of China (PRC), sought a security clearance under Guideline B concerning foreign influence due to her familial ties in the PRC. Despite her strong work performance and integrity, the judge found that her close relationships with family members in the PRC, a country with significant security concerns, created a heightened risk of foreign influence. Consequently, the application for a security clearance was denied.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant's parents are citizens and residents of the PRC (1.a). Applicant's brother is a citizen and resident of the PRC (1.b). In 2006, she purchased a condominium for her parents for $60,000 (1.c). She visited the PRC in 2009, 2007, 2004 and 1994 for two weeks (1.d). She has not mitigated the government’s security concerns under Guideline B, foreign influence (1.e). She has lived in the United States since 1988 and is a naturalized U.S. citizen (1.f).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG 7(a), AG 7(b), AG 7(e). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has close family ties to the PRC, including parents and a brother, which raises security concerns under Guideline B; The applicant's frequent communication with her family in the PRC creates a potential conflict of interest and vulnerability to coercion; The nature of the PRC government and its relationship with the U.S. heightens the risk of exploitation.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has close family ties to the PRC, including parents and a brother, which raises security concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant's frequent communication with her family in the PRC creates a potential conflict of interest and vulnerability to coercion.
- The nature of the PRC government and its relationship with the U.S. heightens the risk of exploitation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG 7(a)appliedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG 7(b)appliedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG 7(e)appliedSubstantial Business or Property Interest in a Foreign Country
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 issuedFeb 3, 2009
- Answer filedFeb 25, 2009
- Hearing heldJun 4, 2009
- Decision dateJun 12, 2009
Cite For
- Heightened Risk of Foreign Influence Due to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- Impact of Foreign Government Relationships on Security Clearance Decisions
- Consideration of Emotional Bonds with Family Members in Foreign Countries