Summary
The applicant, a 54-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and long-time employee of a defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline B due to her ties to a sister in Greece involved with individuals linked to terrorism. The judge found that the applicant's strong and longstanding ties to the U.S. outweighed her foreign connections, leading to a favorable decision for her security clearance.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant has a youngest sister who is a citizen-resident of Greece (1.a). Applicant's youngest sister has been involved with and married to two men who are members of a Greek terrorist organization (1.b). Applicant provided financial support to her youngest sister Autumn over several years, but the practice ended in December 2010 (1.c). Applicant has had essentially no contact with her relatives in Greece since departing (1.d).
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). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has lived in the U.S. since 1980 and became a citizen in 1985, demonstrating strong ties to the country; She has a long history of stable employment with a defense contractor and has held security clearances for many years; The applicant voluntarily reported her knowledge of her sister's connections to terrorism and cooperated with multiple investigations.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant has lived in the U.S. since 1980 and became a citizen in 1985, demonstrating strong ties to the country.
- She has a long history of stable employment with a defense contractor and has held security clearances for many years.
- The applicant voluntarily reported her knowledge of her sister's connections to terrorism and cooperated with multiple investigations.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedNature of the Relationships with Foreign Persons Is Unlikely to Create a Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedNo Conflict of Interest Due to Strong Ties to the U.S.
Key Rule Quoted
“The security clearance process is not a zero-risk program, because nearly every person presents some risk or concern.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 27, 2013
- Answer filedNot specified
- Hearing heldJul 2, 2013
- Decision dateNot specified
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of Strong Ties to the U.S. in Security Clearance Determinations
- Voluntary Reporting and Cooperation with Investigations as Favorable Factors in Clearance Cases.