Summary
A 58-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and systems engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The denial stemmed from the presence of his immediate family members in Jordan and Syria. Specifically, his mother and older brother are citizens and residents of Jordan, while his younger brother is a Jordanian citizen residing in Syria.
The Statement of Reasons highlighted the applicant's multiple trips to Jordan to visit his mother and a single trip to Syria to visit his younger brother. These family ties and travel history raised disqualifying conditions related to foreign influence.
Despite the applicant's assertions of limited contact and no financial connections to these countries, the adjudicator determined that the potential for foreign influence was not adequately mitigated. The applicant failed to demonstrate that his family's foreign connections did not create a risk of coercion or exploitation by foreign powers, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's immediate family members are citizens and residents of Jordan and Syria, raising security concerns under foreign influence.
- The applicant's travel to Jordan and Syria was for family visits, which contributed to the perception of foreign influence.
- The applicant failed to establish mitigating conditions regarding the potential for coercion or exploitation by foreign powers.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Member Is a Citizen or Resident of a Foreign Country.
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power or in a Position to Be Exploited.The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that his family members were not in a position to be exploited.
- E2.A2.1.3.3rejectedForeign Influence - Contact and Correspondence with Foreign Citizens Are Casual and Infrequent.The presumption that contacts with immediate family members in a foreign country are not casual was not rebutted.
Key Rule Quoted
“"A security risk may exist when an applicant's immediate family, or other persons to whom he or she may be bound by affection, influence, or obligation, are not citizens of the U.S. or may be subject to duress."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 5, 2005
- Answer filedMay 5, 2005
- Hearing heldSep 8, 2005
- Decision dateNov 29, 2005
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- The Burden of Proof on the Applicant to Mitigate Foreign Influence
- The Implications of Family Members Residing in Foreign Countries on Security Clearance Eligibility