Summary
The applicant, a 36-year-old program analyst and U.S. citizen originally from the West Bank, faced security concerns under Guideline B due to foreign influence from her family in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Despite these concerns, the judge found that the applicant mitigated the risks by demonstrating strong ties to the U.S., a willingness to renounce her Jordanian citizenship, and a lack of financial support or coercive influence from her family. Eligibility for access to classified information was granted.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant's mother and father are citizens of Jordan and reside in both Jordan and the West Bank. They have residences in both places. She indicated that they reside in the West Bank for a few months of the year and in Jordan for the remainder of the year (1.a). Applicant has two brothers. Her oldest brother is a citizen of Jordan and resides in the West Bank. He is a doctor who has a private medical practice. Her youngest brother is a citizen of Jordan who resides in Saudi Arabia. He is a telecommunications engineer who works for a Swedish company (1.b). Applicant has two living sisters. Both of her sisters are citizens of Jordan and reside in the West Bank. Her oldest sister is an elementary school teacher. Her younger sister is a student at a university in the West Bank (1.c). Applicant's uncle is a citizen and resident of Jordan. Her last contact with him was in 2009 when she attended her brother's wedding in Jordan. She does not know whether he works or is retired (1.d). Applicant has a friend that is a citizen of Jordan. She met her friend in the United States. Her friend returned to Jordan for a couple of years. While her friend was in Jordan, she had contact with her about once a year. Her friend now resides in the United States (1.e). In responding to interrogatories in August 2010, Applicant stated, After becoming a U.S. citizen, my allegiance and loyalty is to the U.S., the country that has honored me with its citizenship and gave me the chance to have a higher education and improve my financial situation (1.f).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), AG ¶ 8(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant renounced her Jordanian citizenship, demonstrating a commitment to U.S. loyalty; She has no financial ties or support obligations to her family abroad, reducing potential foreign influence; The applicant's family members have not been involved in any activities that would pose a security risk.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant renounced her Jordanian citizenship, demonstrating a commitment to U.S. loyalty.
- She has no financial ties or support obligations to her family abroad, reducing potential foreign influence.
- The applicant's family members have not been involved in any activities that would pose a security risk.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant has close family ties in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, creating a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's family connections could create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships are such that it is unlikely she will have to choose between foreign interests and U.S. interests.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedNo Conflict of InterestThe applicant's deep ties to the U.S. outweigh any minimal obligations to her foreign family.
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedCasual and Infrequent ContactThe applicant's contact with her foreign family is infrequent and casual.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 9, 2011
- Answer filedMar 21, 2011
- Hearing heldAug 3, 2011Originally scheduled for June 2, 2011, but postponed.
- Decision date—
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Importance of Renouncing Foreign Citizenship
- Evaluation of Familial Ties in Security Clearance Cases