Summary
This security clearance application was denied under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant, a U.S. citizen born in Iran, had extensive family ties in Iran, including a spouse and several relatives, which raised concerns about potential foreign influence.
The Statement of Reasons alleged contact with foreign family members creating a heightened risk of exploitation, connections to a foreign country creating a potential conflict of interest, and sharing living quarters with individuals whose relationships could lead to foreign inducement or coercion. Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b), and AG ¶ 7(d) were raised, while mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), and AG ¶ 8(c) were applied.
Ultimately, the clearance was denied because the applicant maintained regular contact with multiple family members in Iran, and failed to provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns related to these ties. The fact that the applicant's wife remains an Iranian citizen also contributed to the potential for divided loyalties, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant maintained regular contact with multiple family members residing in Iran, raising concerns of foreign influence.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns related to his family ties in Iran.
- The applicant's wife remains an Iranian citizen, which contributes to the potential for divided loyalties.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons
- AG ¶ 7(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Foreign National
- AG ¶ 8(a)rejectedNature of Relationships with Foreign PersonsThe applicant did not demonstrate that it is unlikely he could be placed in a position of having to choose between the interests of a foreign individual or government and those of the United States.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedNo Conflict of InterestThe applicant provided insufficient evidence of longstanding relationships or deep ties to the United States.
- AG ¶ 8(c)rejectedCasual and Infrequent Contact with Foreign CitizensThe applicant's communications with his Iranian family members are neither casual nor infrequent.
Key Rule Quoted
“The mere possession of close family ties with a family member living in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under Guideline B.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 14, 2013
- Answer filedMar 27, 2013Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateJul 17, 2013
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Foreign Influence Risks
- Impact of Foreign Citizenship of Spouse on Security Clearance Eligibility