Summary
A 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, born in Vietnam, applied for a security clearance, which was ultimately granted. The applicant faced initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). These concerns stemmed from his brother's citizenship in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRVN) and the applicant's own travel to SRVN.
Specifically, the Statement of Reasons alleged that the applicant denied traveling outside the U.S. within the preceding seven years on an SF 86, despite having traveled to SRVN twice during that period. This raised disqualifying conditions related to personal conduct.
However, the judge found that the applicant successfully mitigated these security concerns. It was determined that the applicant's brother is a permanent U.S. resident and does not pose a security risk. Furthermore, the applicant has no foreign financial interests or ties that could compromise security, and his infrequent travel to SRVN did not create a vulnerability to coercion. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's brother is a permanent U.S. resident and not a security risk.
- The applicant has no foreign financial interests or ties that could compromise security.
- The applicant's travel to SRVN was infrequent and did not pose a vulnerability to coercion.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedForeign Influence Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedForeign Influence Mitigating Condition
- E2.A2.1.3.5appliedForeign Influence Mitigating Condition
- E2.A2.1.3.6appliedPersonal Conduct Mitigating Condition
Key Rule Quoted
“The issuance of the clearance is "clearly consistent with the interests of national security."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 5, 2003
- Answer filedNov 20, 2003
- Hearing heldApr 20, 2004
- Decision dateJun 16, 2004
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in the Context of Language Barriers
- Impact of Infrequent Foreign Travel on Security Clearance Decisions