Summary
A 58-year-old linguist for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had approximately $39,920 in delinquent debts across multiple credit cards, a department store card, and a parking ticket. These debts included amounts such as $6,652, $2,954, $2,252, $1,639, $1,594, $1,274, $3,951, $1,134, $7,529, $9,004, $892, and $45.
Additionally, the applicant maintained ongoing contacts with numerous relatives in Pakistan. These relatives included two brothers, a sister, a cousin, a cousin or brother-in-law, and nieces and nephews, all of whom are citizens and residents of Pakistan. The applicant also had a friend who is a citizen and resident of Pakistan, and his wife is a citizen of Pakistan residing in the United States.
The judge determined that the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns. Specifically, the applicant did not present a plan to resolve his debts or demonstrate any payments made towards them. Furthermore, his continued contacts with foreign relatives raised unmitigated concerns about potential foreign influence and divided loyalties, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to significant delinquent debts totaling approximately $39,920, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of a plan to resolve his debts or any payments made towards them.
- The applicant's ongoing contacts with relatives in Pakistan raised concerns about potential foreign influence and divided loyalties.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with a Foreign Family Member, Business or Professional Associate, Friend, or Other Person Who Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to a Foreign Person, Group, Government, or Country That Create a Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Citizenship Status, If That Relationship Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Inducement, Manipulation, Pressure, or Coercion
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial issues were ongoing and not infrequent.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant's debts were incurred in the normal course of living.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under ControlThe applicant did not present evidence of counseling or resolution of financial issues.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant failed to demonstrate any meaningful efforts to repay debts.
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 issuedAug 16, 2012
- Answer filedSep 8, 2012Applicant admitted all allegations.
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateFeb 15, 2013
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Ongoing Contacts with Relatives in a Country with Security Risks Under Guideline B
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Mitigating Circumstances for Financial and Foreign Influence Issues.