Summary
The applicant, a 50-year-old U.S. citizen and linguist for a defense contractor, sought a security clearance under Guideline B. His family ties to Afghanistan and Iran, including a mother and several siblings residing in Iran, raised concerns about potential foreign influence. The applicant admitted to previously providing financial support to his family but claimed to have ceased this support in 2007. The judge denied the application, citing the applicant's extensive family connections in Iran and Afghanistan as a significant risk for foreign influence.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant's mother is a citizen and resident of Iran (1.a). Applicant has two brothers who are citizens of Afghanistan and residents of Iran (1.b). Applicant has a sister who is a citizen and resident of Afghanistan (1.c). Applicant has four sisters who are citizens of Afghanistan and residents of Iran (1.d). Applicant has a father-in-law and mother-in-law who are citizens and residents of Afghanistan (1.e). Applicant has a brother-in-law who is a citizen and resident of Afghanistan (1.f). Applicant has a brother-in-law who is a citizen of Afghanistan and resident of England (1.g). Applicant has a brother-in-law and sister-in-law who are citizens of Afghanistan and residents of Germany (1.h). Applicant sends financial support to family members in Afghanistan and Iran (1.i).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has a mother and multiple siblings residing in Iran, raising concerns under Guideline B; The applicant admitted to previously providing financial support to family members in Iran, which could indicate ongoing ties; The applicant's family connections in Iran and Afghanistan create a potential for foreign influence.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a mother and multiple siblings residing in Iran, raising concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant admitted to previously providing financial support to family members in Iran, which could indicate ongoing ties.
- The applicant's family connections in Iran and Afghanistan create a potential for foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedForeign InfluenceThe applicant claimed to have stopped financial support in 2007, but this was not sufficient to mitigate concerns.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedForeign InfluenceThe applicant's ties to family members in Iran and Afghanistan were deemed significant despite his claims of limited contact.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The presence of family members in a foreign country, especially in a country that is hostile to the United States, raises a security concern."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 3, 2009
- Answer filedNov 23, 2009
- Hearing heldApr 1, 2010Rescheduled from February 24, 2010
- Decision dateApr 9, 2010
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of Family Ties on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Rejection of Mitigating Conditions Related to Foreign Influence