Summary
A 59-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Turkey, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant admitted to having numerous relatives who are citizens and residents of Turkey, including a brother, sister, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, an aunt, and nine uncles. These familial connections were identified as a significant security concern.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's financial ties to Turkey. The applicant receives a pension from the Turkish government and owns property in Turkey. These financial interests were considered to create a potential for exploitation or pressure, raising additional security risks.
Despite the application of several mitigating conditions, the judge determined that the applicant's extensive familial obligations and financial ties to Turkey were significant enough to present unresolved security concerns. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has multiple relatives who are citizens and residents of Turkey, creating a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- The applicant receives a pension from the Turkish government and owns property in Turkey, which could subject him to exploitation or pressure.
- The applicant's familial obligations and financial ties to Turkey were deemed significant enough to raise unresolved security concerns.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersContact with foreign family members creates a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsConnections to foreign persons create a potential conflict of interest.
- AG ¶ 7(e)raisedSubstantial Financial Interest in a Foreign CountryPossessing a substantial financial interest in a foreign country subjects the individual to heightened risk of foreign influence.
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's relationships with foreign persons are based on long-standing family ties of obligation.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedMinimal Conflict of InterestThe applicant's sense of obligation to his family in Turkey is significant.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent ContactThe applicant's contact with family members in Turkey is neither casual nor infrequent.
- AG ¶ 8(f)rejectedRoutine Nature of Foreign InterestsThe applicant's financial interests in Turkey are substantial and could be used to influence him.
Key rule quoted
“"The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration."”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedOct 28, 2010
- Answer filedJan 21, 2011Applicant requested a decision on the record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held; decision made on the record.
- Decision dateJun 3, 2011
Cite for
- Security Concerns Related to Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Impact of Familial Relationships on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Financial Ties to Foreign Countries as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline C