Summary
A U.S. naturalized citizen, originally from the People's Republic of China (PRC), was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant's father and siblings are resident citizens of the PRC, as are his parents-in-law. He maintains monthly contact with his family in the PRC, including sending financial support to his father as recently as Chinese New Year 2003.
The applicant also visited his family in the PRC in 1995, 1999, and 2002, with another trip planned for July 2005. These ties raised disqualifying conditions related to foreign influence.
Despite the applicant's academic achievements and U.S. citizenship, the judge determined that his ongoing connections to family residing in a totalitarian regime created a vulnerability to undue foreign influence. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant's father and siblings are resident citizens of the PRC, creating foreign influence concerns.
- He maintains monthly contact with his family in the PRC and has sent financial support to his father.
- The judge found that the applicant's ties to family in a totalitarian regime posed a risk of undue foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedAn 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.
- E2.A2.1.2.2raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Their Citizenship Status, If the Potential for Adverse Foreign Influence or Duress Exists.
Key Rule Quoted
“A security risk may exist when an individual's immediate family, including cohabitants, and other persons to whom he or she may be bound by affection, influence, or obligation are not citizens of the United States or may be subject to duress.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 14, 2005
- Answer filedMar 22, 2005Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldJun 23, 2005Applicant waived the 15-day notice requirement.
- Decision dateDec 13, 2005
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Vulnerability to Coercion From Family Members Residing in a Foreign Country
- Impact of Familial Relationships on Security Clearance Eligibility