Summary
A 51-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and lead software engineer, originally from Iran, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The denial stemmed from his close family ties in Iran, a country deemed hostile to U.S. interests.
The Statement of Reasons highlighted that the applicant has two brothers and four sisters who are Iranian citizens and residents, with whom he spoke quarterly. Additionally, an October 2007 OPM interview revealed that one of his nephews worked for the Iranian government. Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 7(a) and AG ¶ 7(b) were raised, while mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 8(a) and AG ¶ 8(b) were applied.
Despite the applicant's efforts, including the destruction of Iranian passports held by his family, the judge determined that his immediate family in Iran, his past travel there, and his family's history of persecution under the Iranian regime created an unacceptable risk of coercion or exploitation by the Iranian government. The security clearance was therefore denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained dual citizenship with Iran and had immediate family members residing there, raising concerns of foreign influence.
- The applicant's past travel to Iran and the retention of Iranian passports by his family members indicated a potential for coercion or pressure from the Iranian government.
- The applicant's family history included persecution under the Iranian regime, which heightened the risk associated with his connections to Iran.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Government
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe judge found that the applicant's relationships with family members in Iran created a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of InterestThe applicant's ties to family members in Iran were deemed significant enough to pose a risk.
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 issuedMay 19, 2009
- Answer filedJun 4, 2009
- Hearing heldAug 31, 2009
- Decision dateNov 13, 2009
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of Family Ties in Hostile Countries on Security Clearance Eligibility
- The Significance of Dual Citizenship in Security Clearance Determinations