Summary
A 54-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Syria, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant's mother is a Syrian citizen and resident, with whom he speaks approximately once a month, though he has not seen her in 15 years. Four to five of his siblings are also Syrian citizens residing in Syria, whom he has not seen in 15 years or spoken to in 10 to 15 years. Syria's status as a state sponsor of terrorism was a key factor in the foreign influence assessment.
Regarding financial considerations, the applicant had approximately $71,000 in delinquent student loan debt and $54,000 in delinquent credit card debt. Three creditors obtained judgments against him in 2008. Other debts included $5,400 from a credit card opened for a friend and a $2,700 delinquent debt satisfied in May 2009. Additionally, there was a $32 erroneous bill.
The applicant successfully mitigated his financial issues through recent payments and a structured repayment plan, with payments on delinquent student loan accounts made since July 2009. However, the judge determined that his ongoing relationship with his mother, a Syrian resident, posed an unacceptable risk due to Syria's government and its opposition to U.S. interests. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant demonstrated significant progress in addressing financial debts, including making payments and establishing a repayment plan.
- The applicant's financial issues were primarily due to prolonged unemployment and not due to irresponsible financial behavior.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedFinancial Considerations
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedFinancial Considerations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe conditions that resulted in the financial problem were largely beyond the person’s control.
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe person has received or is receiving counseling for the problem and/or there are clear indications that the problem is being resolved or is under control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe individual initiated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or otherwise resolve debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 22, 2009
- Answer filedOct 28, 2009
- Hearing heldFeb 4, 2010
- Decision dateJun 15, 2010
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Impact of Foreign Family Ties on Security Clearance Under Guideline B
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations