Summary
A 47-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Thailand and working as a network analyst, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant had extensive familial ties to Thailand, including seven siblings, seven half-siblings, and a father-in-law who are all citizens and residents of Thailand. He maintained regular contact with two brothers there and traveled to Thailand in 1999, 2000, and 2002. Additionally, his mother, a Thai citizen, split her residency between the U.S. and Thailand, and his adopted son is a Thai citizen residing in the U.S.
Further foreign influence concerns arose from the applicant's financial connections, including ownership of a $50,000 townhouse in Thailand, purchased in 2002. Under Guideline E, the applicant was initially alleged to have deliberately falsified his SF-86 by omitting his numerous siblings and father-in-law.
While the applicant successfully mitigated the allegations of deliberate falsification regarding his application omissions, he could not overcome the foreign influence concerns. The decision cited his close familial relationships and financial obligations in Thailand as creating a potential for coercion or pressure from foreign entities. Consequently, his security clearance application was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's close familial ties to citizens of Thailand raised significant foreign influence concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant's financial obligations and property ownership in Thailand contributed to the potential for coercion or pressure from foreign entities.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1appliedImmediate Family Member Is a Citizen or Resident of a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.2appliedShares Living Quarters with a Person Who May Be Subject to Foreign Influence
- E2.A2.1.2.3appliedRelatives Connected with a Foreign Government
- E2.A2.1.2.6appliedConduct That May Make the Individual Vulnerable to Coercion
- E2.A2.1.2.8appliedSubstantial Interest in a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedImmediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power
- E2.A2.1.3.3rejectedContact with Foreign Citizens Is Casual and Infrequent
- E2.A2.1.3.5rejectedForeign Financial Interests Are Minimal
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 13, 2004
- Answer filedJun 17, 2004Requested decision on the record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on record.
- Decision dateMar 30, 2005
Cite For
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Allegations Under Guideline E
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- Impact of Financial Obligations on Security Clearance Eligibility