Summary
A 32-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Afghanistan, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant, employed as a linguist supporting U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, faced allegations concerning his extensive family ties and financial support to relatives in Afghanistan.
Specifically, the Statement of Reasons noted that the applicant has five brothers, a mother-in-law, a father-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law who are citizens and residents of Afghanistan. Furthermore, three of his brothers and one brother-in-law are employed by the Afghan government. The applicant also sent approximately $17,000 to his family members in Afghanistan since arriving in the United States.
The denial was based on several factors: the applicant's extensive family ties in Afghanistan, including relatives working for the Afghan government, which raised security concerns; the financial support provided to family members, creating a potential conflict of interest and risk of coercion; and conflicting information provided by the applicant regarding contact with his family, which undermined his claims of limited influence.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has extensive family ties in Afghanistan, including relatives who work for the Afghan government, which raises security concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant's financial support to family members in Afghanistan creates a potential conflict of interest and a risk of coercion or pressure.
- The applicant provided conflicting information regarding his contact with family members in Afghanistan, undermining his claims of limited influence.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family Members
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign Persons That Create Potential Conflict of Interest
- AG ¶ 7(d)notedSharing Living Quarters with Foreign Persons
Key rule quoted
“The United States has a compelling interest in protecting and safeguarding classified information from any person, organization, or country that is not authorized to have access to it, regardless of whether that person, organization, or country has interests inimical to those of the United States.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 10, 2013
- Answer filed—Applicant requested an administrative determination in lieu of a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held; decision based on written submissions.
- Decision dateNov 5, 2013
Cite for
- Security Concerns Related to Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Impact of Family Ties in Foreign Countries on Security Clearance Eligibility
- The Necessity of Clear and Consistent Information Regarding Foreign Contacts in Security Clearance Cases