Summary
A 41-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference). The denial stemmed from the applicant's close ties to South Korea, specifically his father, a citizen and resident of South Korea, and seven long-standing friends employed by various South Korean government agencies.
The Statement of Reasons highlighted that the applicant's father is a South Korean citizen and resident, with whom the applicant maintains regular communication and provides occasional financial support. Furthermore, the applicant has seven long-standing friends working for South Korean government agencies with international reach. These connections raised concerns that the applicant could be a point of foreign influence.
Despite the application of mitigating conditions, the judge found that the applicant's close familial and social relationships with South Korean citizens and government employees posed an unacceptable risk of foreign influence. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a father who is a citizen and resident of South Korea, which raises concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant maintains regular communication with his father and has financial ties that indicate close familial relationships.
- The applicant has multiple long-standing friends employed by various South Korean government agencies, which presents a potential avenue for foreign influence.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Preference
- E2.A2.1.2.3raisedForeign Influence
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedForeign InfluenceThe applicant did not demonstrate that his father or friends are not in a position to influence him.
- E2.A2.1.3.2rejectedForeign InfluenceThe applicant's contacts with foreign citizens are not the result of official U.S. government business.
- E2.A2.1.3.3rejectedForeign InfluenceThe applicant's friendships are not casual or infrequent.
Key rule quoted
“The government has a compelling interest in ensuring each Applicant possesses the requisite judgement, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 10, 2002
- Answer filedJun 3, 2002
- Hearing heldDec 5, 2002
- Decision dateOct 6, 2005
Cite for
- Disqualifying Conditions Under Guideline B Due to Familial Ties to a Foreign National
- Foreign Influence Concerns Arising From Friendships with Foreign Government Employees
- The Importance of Demonstrating Lack of Foreign Influence in Security Clearance Cases