Summary
A 43-year-old Arab linguist and cultural advisor was denied a security clearance due to unmitigated concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline E (Personal Conduct), and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant admitted to several allegations that raised significant security risks.
Specifically, the applicant acknowledged having family members residing in Iraq, which created a heightened risk of foreign influence. Additionally, the applicant's financial history included significant and unresolved delinquencies, leading to concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. His personal conduct also raised questions, notably a prior violation of military regulations concerning firearm possession, which indicated questionable judgment.
Despite the applicant's admissions, the security concerns related to foreign influence, personal conduct, and financial considerations were not adequately mitigated, resulting in the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to having family members in Iraq, creating a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- The applicant's financial delinquencies were significant and unresolved, raising concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's personal conduct, including a prior violation of military regulations regarding firearm possession, indicated questionable judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with Foreign Persons Creating Risk of Coercion
- AG ¶ 16(d)(3)raisedCredible Adverse Information Indicating Untrustworthiness
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships Unlikely to Create Conflict of InterestThe applicant's relationships were based on strong familial ties and obligations.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedMinimal Conflict of Interest Due to Strong U.S. TiesThe applicant's ties to Iraq were significant and could lead to divided loyalties.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant maintained regular communication with family in Iraq.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 20, 2009
- Answer filedSep 10, 2009Signed and notarized.
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision on the record.
- Decision dateFeb 17, 2010
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Impact of Financial Delinquencies on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in Security Clearance Decisions Under Guideline E