Summary
A 66-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Afghanistan, was denied a security clearance primarily due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant's wife and one child are Afghan citizens residing in the U.S., while his mother-in-law and brother-in-law are Afghan citizens and residents. The brother-in-law also served as an officer in the Afghan army. The applicant owns a home in Afghanistan, valued at an estimated $100,000, and maintains a bank account there for property upkeep. He expressed concern for his safety if he were to work in Afghanistan and relinquished his Afghan passport in 2009.
Additional concerns were raised under Guideline C (Foreign Preference) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). During a security interview, the applicant stated that he and his wife kept money at home rather than in a bank to avoid disclosing assets when applying for free government healthcare, fearing their income might disqualify them. He also reported leaving a two-month government contractor position in 2010 due to medical reasons, after coworkers accused him of falling asleep on the job.
While the applicant mitigated concerns under Guideline C and Guideline E, the judge found that his admitted ties to Afghanistan, including family connections and property ownership, presented significant security risks. These factors led to the denial of his security clearance, as they indicated potential vulnerability to foreign influence.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple allegations under Guideline B, indicating significant foreign influence due to family ties in Afghanistan.
- The applicant's ownership of property and a bank account in Afghanistan contributed to concerns about his loyalty and potential vulnerability to foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- B2raisedForeign Influence
- B3raisedForeign Influence
- B4raisedForeign Influence
- B5raisedForeign Influence
- B6raisedForeign Influence
- B7raisedForeign Influence
- B8raisedForeign Influence
- C1appliedForeign Preference
- E2appliedPersonal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 12, 2013
- Answer filedAug 11, 2013Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateMay 9, 2014
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Mitigation of Foreign Preference Issues Under Guideline C
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in Security Clearance Decisions Under Guideline E