Summary
A 33-year-old U.S. citizen and information technology consultant was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to significant familial and social ties in Jordan, a country identified with foreign influence and terrorism risks. The Statement of Reasons detailed that the applicant's parents, three brothers, four sisters, and an aunt are all citizens and residents of Jordan. Additionally, the applicant has a friend who is a citizen and resident of Jordan.
The applicant admitted to all allegations regarding his foreign connections. Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a) and AG ¶ 7(b) were raised, while mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), and AG ¶ 8(c) were considered.
Ultimately, the clearance was denied because the applicant's close relationships with multiple family members and a friend in Jordan were deemed to create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, or coercion. The applicant failed to demonstrate that the mitigating conditions sufficiently addressed the security concerns posed by the nature of his ties to Jordan.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted all allegations of foreign influence concerning family and friends in Jordan.
- The applicant's close relationships with multiple family members and a friend in Jordan created a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, or coercion.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that mitigating conditions applied to his situation, given the nature of his ties to Jordan.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Country Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships Unlikely to Create Conflict of InterestThe applicant's strong ties to family in Jordan were deemed significant enough to create potential conflicts.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedMinimal Loyalty or Obligation to Foreign ContactsThe applicant's relationships with family members in Jordan were not considered minimal.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant's contacts with family and friends in Jordan were not casual or infrequent.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 10, 2012
- Answer filedOct 27, 2012
- Hearing heldJan 9, 2013
- Decision dateFeb 12, 2013
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Impact of Familial Ties in Foreign Countries on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Evaluation of Mitigating Conditions in the Context of Foreign Influence Risks