Summary
The applicant, a 36-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline B due to familial ties to citizens of the Russia Federation. The judge found that these ties could lead to the compromise of classified information, resulting in the denial of the security clearance.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant's mother and father are citizens and residents of the Russia Federation (1.a). Applicant provides $100 to $200 monthly to her mother (1.b). Applicant's twin sister is a citizen and resident of Russia (1.c). Applicant provides her sister with financial support of about $2,000 every two years (1.d). Applicant traveled to Russia in at least May 1996, May 1997, October 1999, September 2001, and May 2003 (1.e). Applicant had an association with a citizen of a Central Asian country who resides in the U.S. and that she signed an affidavit of support for his parents' and his brother's green card applications (1.f).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions E2.A2.1.2.1, E2.A2.1.2.6. The judge applied mitigating conditions E2.A2.1.3.1, E2.A2.1.3.3. The decision turned on the following: The applicant's immediate family members are citizens and residents of the Russia Federation, raising security concerns under Guideline B; The applicant provided financial support to her mother and sister, which could make her vulnerable to coercion by foreign entities; The applicant's contacts with her family in Russia are not casual and infrequent, indicating a strong familial obligation that could be exploited.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's immediate family members are citizens and residents of the Russia Federation, raising security concerns under Guideline B.
- The applicant provided financial support to her mother and sister, which could make her vulnerable to coercion by foreign entities.
- The applicant's contacts with her family in Russia are not casual and infrequent, indicating a strong familial obligation that could be exploited.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence Due to Family Ties
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedAssociation with a Foreign National
- E2.A2.1.3.1rejectedImmediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign PowerThe applicant did not provide evidence to mitigate the concerns regarding her family members' potential vulnerability to coercion.
- E2.A2.1.3.3rejectedContacts with Foreign Citizens Are Casual and InfrequentThe applicant's frequent contact and financial support to her family indicate a strong familial obligation.
Key Rule Quoted
“A Guideline B security concern exists when an applicant's immediate family, including cohabitants, and other persons to whom he or she might be bound by affection, influence, or obligation are not citizens of the United States or may be subject to duress.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 11, 2005
- Answer filedApr 27, 2005
- Hearing heldOct 19, 2005
- Decision dateJan 26, 2006
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- Impact of Foreign Influence on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Criteria for Evaluating Mitigating Conditions in Foreign Influence Cases