Summary
A 40-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Russia, sought a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The government chose not to proceed under Guideline C. Concerns were raised under Guideline B due to the applicant's family ties in Russia, including his sister, parents, and parents-in-law, who are all Russian citizens and residents. His wife is also a Russian citizen residing with him in the U.S.
The applicant maintained contact with his sister and parents, traveling to Russia in 2003 and 2005, and routinely sending his sister holiday gifts. He also provided financial support to his father for medical bills and a gas line installation. Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b), and AG ¶ 7(d) were raised, with AG ¶ 7(d) specifically applying to his wife.
However, the judge found that the applicant mitigated these concerns, applying mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), and AG ¶ 8(c). The applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his long-term residency, employment with a defense contractor, and his wife's ongoing naturalization process. His commitment to the U.S. was further evidenced by his naturalization, his encouragement of his wife's citizenship, his strong professional reputation, and community involvement. His limited financial support to family in Russia and renunciation of Russian citizenship also mitigated foreign influence concerns. The judge concluded that the applicant's family ties in Russia did not pose a significant risk of coercion or influence, and the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a commitment to the United States by becoming a naturalized citizen and encouraging his wife to pursue citizenship.
- The applicant's strong professional reputation and community involvement supported his case for clearance.
- The applicant's limited financial support to family in Russia and his renunciation of Russian citizenship mitigated foreign influence concerns.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 7(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Foreign National
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedU.S. Citizenship
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedLong-term Residency in the U.S.
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedLimited Financial Support to Foreign Relatives
Key rule quoted
“The mere possession of close family ties with a person in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJun 23, 2010
- Answer filedJun 29, 2010
- Hearing heldNov 8, 2010
- Decision dateApr 29, 2011
Cite for
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of U.S. Citizenship on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Family Ties in Foreign Countries in Security Clearance Cases