Summary
An Administrative Judge denied a security clearance application for a 66-year-old Afghan-born individual under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The denial was based on significant concerns regarding the applicant's extensive family contacts in Afghanistan and inconsistent statements about the frequency of these interactions.
The Statement of Reasons detailed that the applicant has 21 family members who are citizens and residents of Afghanistan, including a step-mother, a brother, five sisters, a half-brother, a sister-in-law, eight brothers-in-law, an uncle, and a nephew. Specific concerns included a half-brother serving as an officer in the Afghan National Army, another brother-in-law who has served in the Afghan National Army since 2010, and a third brother-in-law working as a government guard in Afghanistan. The applicant reported varying frequencies of contact with these family members, ranging from none to monthly, quarterly, or bi-annually.
The clearance was denied because the numerous family members residing in Afghanistan created a potential for foreign influence, especially given the volatile political and security conditions in the country. Furthermore, the applicant's inconsistent statements regarding contact frequency undermined his credibility and trustworthiness, leading to the conclusion that he posed a security risk.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has numerous family members residing in Afghanistan, creating a potential for foreign influence.
- Inconsistent statements regarding the frequency of contact with family members undermined the applicant's credibility.
- The volatile political and security conditions in Afghanistan heighten the risk associated with the applicant's foreign contacts.
Conditions Referenced
- 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersContact with foreign family members creates a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, pressure, or coercion.
- 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsConnections to foreign persons create a potential conflict of interest between the individual's obligation to protect sensitive information and the desire to help foreign persons.
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 4, 2013
- Answer filedMay 1, 2013
- Hearing held—Determined on a written record.
- Decision dateAug 20, 2013
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Inconsistencies in Applicant's Statements Affecting Credibility
- Impact of Familial Ties in Security Clearance Determinations