Summary
A 45-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Iran, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant's mother, sister, and two brothers are citizens and residents of Iran, and another sister is an Iranian citizen residing in the U.S. The applicant sends money to his mother and sister in Iran twice a year and helped his mother purchase a home there. His U.S. passport was confiscated during a 1995 trip to Iran, and he met Iranian relatives in the UAE in 2003 while on business.
Regarding financial concerns, the applicant had nine debts placed for collection, totaling more than $94,000. He was unable to pay these debts due to his financial condition. The judge found that the applicant failed to mitigate the security concerns related to his financial situation and the potential for foreign influence from his family members residing in Iran.
Ultimately, the security clearance was DENIED. The denial was based on the applicant's family ties to Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism, which created a potential for foreign influence, and his history of financial difficulties, including over $106,000 in delinquent debts that he could not resolve.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant's family members are citizens-residents of Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism, creating a potential for foreign influence.
- The applicant has a history of financial difficulties, including nine delinquent debts totaling over $106,000, which he was unable to resolve in a timely manner.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedFinancial Considerations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedFinancial Considerations
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedForeign InfluenceThe applicant could not establish that his family members in Iran were not in a position to be exploited by a foreign power.
- E2.A2.1.3.4appliedForeign InfluenceThe applicant reported his foreign travels and contacts with foreign citizens.
- E2.A2.1.3.5appliedForeign InfluenceThe applicant has no financial interests overseas.
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant's financial crisis was caused by conditions beyond his control.
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant initiated a good-faith effort to resolve his debts by filing for bankruptcy.
Key rule quoted
“An applicant has the ultimate burden of demonstrating that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue his security clearance.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMar 18, 2005
- Answer filedApr 11, 2005
- Hearing heldNov 3, 2005Postponed due to Hurricane Rita.
- Decision dateJan 23, 2006
Cite for
- Foreign Influence Due to Family Ties in a State Sponsor of Terrorism
- Financial Difficulties Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility
- Mitigating Conditions Related to Financial Considerations and Foreign Influence