Summary
A 37-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and Arabic linguist was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) related to family ties in Jordan. The Statement of Reasons highlighted that the applicant has two sisters who are citizens and residents of Jordan, one of whom retired as a major from the Jordanian Army. Another sister is a dual U.S. and Jordanian citizen residing in Jordan. Additionally, the applicant's former spouse is from Jordan, and her family, including the applicant's mother-in-law, resides there. The applicant also made five family-related visits to Jordan between 1998 and 2008.
Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 7(a) and AG ¶ 7(b) were raised. However, the judge applied mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), and AG ¶ 8(c).
The clearance was granted because the applicant demonstrated strong ties to the United States, including home ownership and business interests. The judge found that the family members in Jordan did not pose a significant risk of foreign influence due to their lack of government affiliation and the applicant's limited contact with them. The applicant's history of military service and previous security clearances further supported his reliability and trustworthiness, and he committed to reporting any attempts at coercion.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the United States, including home ownership and business interests.
- The applicant's family members in Jordan do not pose a significant risk of foreign influence due to their lack of government affiliation and the applicant's limited contact with them.
- The applicant's history of military service and previous security clearances supported his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant has periodic contacts with relatives in Jordan, which creates a potential for foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's immediate family members living in Jordan raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedAbsence of Foreign InfluenceThe applicant's divorce from a Jordanian spouse and lack of contact with her family mitigated concerns.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedU.S. Citizenship and ResidenceThe applicant's naturalization and established life in the U.S. reduced the risk of foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedEvidence of TrustworthinessThe applicant's military service and previous security clearances demonstrated reliability.
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 issuedApr 30, 2010
- Answer filedMay 25, 2010
- Hearing heldOct 5, 2010
- Decision dateApr 13, 2011
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of U.S. Citizenship and Established Ties in Security Clearance Cases
- Consideration of Family Connections in Foreign Countries and Their Impact on Security Clearance Eligibility