Summary
A 47-year-old U.S. citizen, originally from Pakistan, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The applicant's Pakistani passport expired in October 2012, and he stated he did not intend to renew it, having obtained it before becoming a U.S. citizen and not using it thereafter. This mitigated concerns under Guideline C, as it demonstrated he did not consider himself a citizen of Pakistan.
However, concerns under Guideline B remained unmitigated. The applicant's parents, three brothers, and a nephew are all citizens and residents of Pakistan, a country identified as having significant terrorist activity and human rights issues. The applicant frequently travels to Pakistan to visit his family and provided $500 to his nephew to help purchase a cell phone business.
The denial was based on the applicant's close family ties in Pakistan and his regular travel there, which raised concerns about potential foreign influence. The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that these relationships would not create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has immediate family members who are citizens and residents of Pakistan, a country with known terrorist organizations.
- The applicant travels to Pakistan regularly, which raises concerns about potential foreign influence.
- Insufficient evidence was provided to demonstrate that the applicant's relationships with his family in Pakistan would not create a conflict of interest with U.S. interests.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)appliedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)appliedConnections to a Foreign Country Creating Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 10(a)rejectedPossession of a Current Foreign PassportThe applicant does not possess a valid foreign passport and does not intend to renew his expired Pakistani passport.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 31, 2012
- Answer filedSep 1, 2012Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on written record.
- Decision dateJan 30, 2013
Cite For
- Security Concerns Regarding Familial Ties in Countries with Terrorist Activities Under Guideline B
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Concerns When No Current Foreign Passport Is Held Under Guideline C
- Impact of Frequent Travel to a Foreign Country on Security Clearance Eligibility