Summary
A 45-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Syria, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence), C (Foreign Preference), and F (Financial Considerations). The applicant held and renewed a Syrian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2012, using it for travel to Syria. He also paid $5,000 to avoid mandatory military service in Syria.
Further concerns arose from his close relationship with his father, a Syrian citizen residing in Syria, which presented a potential for foreign influence. Additionally, the applicant had seven delinquent debts, totaling approximately $22,000, which became delinquent between 2006 and 2008. One alleged debt of $2,354 was disputed and later removed from his credit report.
The judge determined that the applicant's possession and use of a Syrian passport, his close ties to a foreign national in Syria, and his unresolved delinquent debts demonstrated insufficient mitigation of the security risks. Consequently, the application for a security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant holds a current Syrian passport and used it for travel after becoming a U.S. citizen, raising foreign preference concerns.
- The applicant has a close relationship with his father, a Syrian citizen, which creates a heightened risk of foreign influence.
- The applicant has unresolved delinquent debts totaling approximately $22,000, indicating financial irresponsibility.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 10(a)(1)raisedForeign Preference
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedForeign Influence
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedFinancial Considerations
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedFinancial Considerations
- AG ¶ 11(b)appliedForeign PreferenceThe applicant expressed a willingness to renounce his Syrian citizenship.
- AG ¶ 8(b)rejectedForeign InfluenceThe applicant did not demonstrate that his relationships in the U.S. would outweigh the risks posed by his family ties in Syria.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence that his financial issues were beyond his control.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 7, 2015
- Answer filedJan 21, 2015
- Hearing heldSep 9, 2015
- Decision dateDec 10, 2015
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Due to Family Ties in a Country with Known Security Risks
- Disqualifying Conditions Related to Foreign Preference and Financial Irresponsibility
- Mitigating Conditions Under AG ¶ 11(b) Regarding Willingness to Renounce Foreign Citizenship