Summary
A U.S. citizen, born in Romania, was denied a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to unmitigated concerns regarding his familial and business ties to foreign countries. The applicant's wife is a citizen of the Russian Federation and resides with him in the U.S. Additionally, his father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law are all citizens and residents of Russia.
Further foreign influence concerns were raised by the applicant's extensive family in Romania, including seven aunts and three uncles who are citizens and residents there. The applicant also owns a company that contracts with a Romanian company, and he has six business associates who are citizens and residents of Romania. He traveled to Romania in 1998-1999 and again in 2002.
Despite the applicant's professional qualifications and character references, the decision concluded that his wife's Russian citizenship, his in-laws' residency in Russia, and his substantial business relationship with a Romanian company presented unmitigated security risks related to potential coercion or exploitation. Consequently, the security clearance application was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant's wife is a citizen of the Russian Federation, raising foreign influence concerns.
- Applicant has in-laws who are citizens and residents of Russia, which heightens security risks.
- Applicant's substantial business relationship with a Romanian company could expose him to foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence Due to Immediate Family Ties
- E2.A2.1.2.2raisedForeign Influence Due to Family Residing in a Foreign Country
- E2.A2.1.2.6raisedForeign Influence Due to Business Relationships with Foreign Nationals
- E2.A2.1.2.8raisedForeign Influence Due to Travel to Foreign Countries
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 issuedJan 19, 2006
- Answer filedFeb 7, 2006
- Hearing heldNov 8, 2006
- Decision dateDec 29, 2006
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B Due to Family Ties
- Impact of Foreign Citizenship on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Burden of Proof on Applicants to Mitigate Security Concerns