Summary
A U.S. citizen, employed as an e-mail administrator and an Eritrean refugee, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The denial stemmed from the applicant's extensive familial connections to Eritrea, which were deemed to create a potential for foreign influence and a risk to classified information.
Specifically, the applicant has a sister who is an Eritrean citizen residing in Eritrea, and another sister who is an Eritrean citizen living abroad with her husband, who serves as the Eritrean ambassador to that country. The applicant's mother is also an Eritrean citizen, though she resides in the United States. Further, the applicant's four siblings in the U.S. are dual citizens of Eritrea and the United States, as are his wife and parents-in-law. Additionally, the applicant has aunts, uncles, and cousins who are Eritrean citizens residing in the United States.
The judge concluded that these close familial ties, particularly the connection to an Eritrean ambassador, made the applicant vulnerable to coercion or pressure from foreign entities. Despite the application of some mitigating conditions, the security concerns raised by these relationships led to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has close familial ties to individuals in Eritrea, including a sister married to an Eritrean ambassador, which raises security concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant's mother is an Eritrean citizen residing in the U.S., creating potential for foreign influence.
- The applicant's relationships with his Eritrean family members could make him vulnerable to coercion or pressure from foreign entities.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedAn Immediate Family Member of a Person to Whom the Individual Has Close Ties of Affection or Obligation Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.3raisedRelatives, Cohabitants, or Associates Who Are Connected with Any Foreign Government
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedThe Individual Seeking Clearance Displays Conduct Which May Make Him Vulnerable to Coercion, Exploitation, or Pressure by a Foreign Government
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedA Determination That the Immediate Family Members or Associates in Question Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power or in a Position to Be Exploited by a Foreign PowerWhile none of Applicant's immediate family members are agents of a foreign power, his sisters are in positions to be exploited.
- E2.A2.1.3.3rejectedContact and Correspondence with Foreign Citizens Are Casual and InfrequentApplicant's relationships with his family members are not casual.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 16, 2003
- Answer filedJun 4, 2003
- Hearing heldSep 10, 2003Applicant appeared pro se.
- Decision dateFeb 10, 2004
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B Due to Familial Ties Abroad
- Vulnerability to Coercion Based on Family Connections to Foreign Governments
- The Impact of Familial Obligations on Security Clearance Eligibility