Summary
A 57-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Syria, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant, employed by a defense contractor, was found to have close ties to family members residing in Syria and Lebanon, which raised concerns about potential coercion or exploitation.
The Statement of Reasons cited that an immediate family member or person with close ties is a citizen or resident of a foreign country, and that the applicant's conduct could make him vulnerable to foreign government pressure. Disqualifying conditions E2.A2.1.2.1, E2.A2.1.2.2, and E2.A2.1.2.6 were raised.
The denial was based on the applicant having a spouse and four sisters who are citizens or residents of Syria and Lebanon. His unwillingness to renounce Syrian citizenship, citing fear for his family's safety, was seen as indicating a strong foreign allegiance. Additionally, his frequent contact with foreign relatives and recent travels to Syria were determined to increase his vulnerability to foreign influence.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has close family members, including a spouse and four sisters, who are citizens or residents of Syria and Lebanon.
- The applicant's unwillingness to renounce his Syrian citizenship due to fear for his family's safety indicates a strong foreign allegiance.
- The applicant's frequent contact with his foreign relatives and recent travels to Syria increase his vulnerability to foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedImmediate Family Member Is a Citizen Of, or Resident or Present In, a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.2raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Their Citizenship Status, If the Potential for Adverse Foreign Influence or Duress Exists
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedConduct Which May Make the Individual Vulnerable to Coercion, Exploitation, or Pressure by a Foreign Government
Key Rule Quoted
“A security risk may exist when an individual's immediate family, including cohabitants, and other persons to whom he or she may be bound by affection, influence, or obligation are not citizens of the United States or may be subject to duress.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 8, 2003
- Answer filedJul 31, 2003Applicant acted pro se initially.
- Hearing heldNov 18, 2003Hearing conducted as scheduled.
- Decision dateApr 20, 2004
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Impact of Family Ties on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Vulnerability to Coercion Due to Foreign Connections