Loading case…

Summary

The applicant, a U.S. citizen of Palestinian descent, sought a security clearance but was denied due to foreign influence and preference concerns stemming from his family's residency in Israel and Jordan. Despite his claims of loyalty to the U.S. and the expiration of his Jordanian passport, the judge found significant risks associated with his close ties to non-U.S. citizens in politically unstable regions.

Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline C (Foreign Preference), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: An immediate family member, or a person to whom the individual has close ties of affection or obligation, is a citizen of, or resident or present in, a foreign country (1.a). Sharing living quarters with a person or persons, regardless of their citizenship status, if the potential for adverse foreign influence or duress exists (1.b). The individual has close ties of affection or obligation to a person who is a citizen of, or resident or present in, a foreign country (1.c). The individual has a spouse or cohabitant who is a citizen of a foreign country (1.d). The individual has a close relationship with a foreign national (1.e). The individual has financial ties to a foreign national (1.f). The individual has traveled to a foreign country to visit family members (1.g). Possession and/or use of a foreign passport (2.a).

The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions E2.A2.1.2.1, E2.A2.1.2.2, E2.A3.1.2.2. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has immediate family members residing in a foreign country, which raises foreign influence concerns; The applicant's spouse and in-laws are citizens of Jordan, contributing to potential foreign influence risks; The applicant's use of a Jordanian passport, even if expired, indicated a preference for a foreign country over the U.S.

Why the Applicant Was Denied

• The applicant has immediate family members residing in a foreign country, which raises foreign influence concerns.
• The applicant's spouse and in-laws are citizens of Jordan, contributing to potential foreign influence risks.
• The applicant's use of a Jordanian passport, even if expired, indicated a preference for a foreign country over the U.S.

Conditions Referenced

Key Rule Quoted

“[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance.”

Procedural Posture

• SOR issuedNov 21, 2003
• Answer filedDec 14, 2003Applicant acted pro se.
• Hearing heldMay 26, 2004Applicant rescheduled from May 25, 2004.
• Decision dateNov 18, 2004

Cite For

• Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
• Foreign Preference Issues Related to the Use of a Foreign Passport Under Guideline C
• Impact of Family Residency in Politically Unstable Regions on Security Clearance Eligibility