Summary
The applicant, a 28-year-old defense contractor, sought a security clearance under Guideline B concerning foreign influence due to family ties in Taiwan and the Philippines. The applicant successfully mitigated concerns by demonstrating strong ties to the U.S., limited contact with foreign relatives, and a commitment to safeguarding classified information. The judge granted the security clearance, emphasizing the applicant's loyalty to the U.S.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant’s father and mother are dual citizens of the United States and Taiwan, residing in the Philippines (1.a). Applicant’s father and mother are dual citizens of the United States and Taiwan, residing in the Philippines (1.b). Applicant’s uncle is a citizen and resident of Taiwan and works within the Taiwanese government (1.c). Applicant’s grandmother is a dual citizen of the United States and Taiwan and resides in Taiwan (1.d). Applicant’s father has contact with individuals employed within the Filipino and Taiwanese governments (1.e). Applicant travels to the Philippines approximately once yearly to visit his relatives (1.f).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), AG ¶ 8(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has strong familial ties and social connections within the U.S; The applicant has limited and infrequent contact with foreign relatives, particularly his uncle; The applicant demonstrated a serious commitment to protecting classified information and national security.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant has strong familial ties and social connections within the U.S.
- The applicant has limited and infrequent contact with foreign relatives, particularly his uncle.
- The applicant demonstrated a serious commitment to protecting classified information and national security.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of Relationship with Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedMinimal Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedCasual and Infrequent Contact
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 8, 2010
- Answer filedJul 20, 2010
- Hearing heldNov 10, 2010
- Decision dateJan 12, 2011
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of Familial Ties to U.S. Citizenship
- Evaluation of Foreign Contacts in the Context of National Security