Summary
A 40-year-old U.S. citizen, employed as an armed security officer, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to significant familial ties to Morocco and other foreign governments. The applicant's wife is a Moroccan citizen residing in the U.S., and her parents are citizens and residents of Morocco.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's sister, a U.S. citizen, who was previously employed as a student advisor by the government of country B and is currently employed in a similar role by the government of country C. The applicant also made multiple trips to Morocco in 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003, including a three-week stay in 2002 where he resided with his sister's ex-fiancé, with whom he maintains contact.
The judge determined that these connections, including the Moroccan family ties and the sister's employment by foreign governments, presented an unacceptable risk of foreign influence and potential exploitation. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's wife is a citizen of Morocco, and her parents reside there, creating foreign influence concerns.
- The applicant's sister is employed by foreign governments, which raises security risks of coercion or exploitation.
- The applicant admitted to multiple trips to Morocco and maintained close ties with individuals there, increasing vulnerability to foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence Due to Immediate Family Ties to a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.2raisedLiving with a Spouse Who Has Foreign Ties
- E2.A2.1.2.3raisedEmployment of a Family Member by a Foreign Government
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedClose Association with Individuals in a Foreign Country
Key Rule Quoted
“A Guideline B security concern exists when an individual seeking clearance is bound by ties of affection, influence, or obligation to immediate family, close friends, or professional associates in a foreign country.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 27, 2005
- Answer filedDec 12, 2005
- Hearing heldSep 18, 2006
- Decision dateOct 30, 2006
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Familial Ties Under Guideline B
- Impact of Foreign Government Employment on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Vulnerability to Coercion From Foreign Connections in Security Clearance Cases