Summary
A 47-year-old program manager for a defense contractor, originally from Lebanon, was granted a security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The applicant, a U.S. citizen, faced allegations concerning his family ties and financial interests in Lebanon. His mother, three sisters, and two brothers are citizens and residents of Lebanon, though his mother holds a U.S. Permanent Resident Card and last visited the U.S. in late 2005. His deceased father was a taxi driver.
The applicant's in-laws include a father-in-law and mother-in-law who are U.S. Permanent Residents, and three brothers-in-law awaiting U.S. immigration visas. Two sisters-in-law remain in Lebanon, one brother-in-law is a city traffic policeman, but no other relatives have government connections. The applicant sends his mother approximately $500 every two to three months for financial assistance, as Lebanon lacks a social security system. He owns a home in Lebanon valued at approximately $78,000 and sent about $35,000 to a brother-in-law to construct a home for family visits. He travels to Lebanon every five years or so, primarily for his daughters to visit relatives, with his last trip in August 2005. All his immediate family use U.S. passports.
The judge determined that the applicant's relationships did not pose a security risk, emphasizing his integrity and commitment to U.S. interests. The decision highlighted his long-standing security clearance and solid record in the defense industry, strong ties to the U.S. through his immediate family (all U.S. citizens), and a lack of evidence that his relatives in Lebanon could exert undue pressure.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant has a long-standing security clearance and a solid record of service in the defense industry.
- He demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his immediate family, all of whom are U.S. citizens.
- The judge found no evidence that the applicant's relatives in Lebanon could pressure him to act against U.S. interests.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Member Is a Citizen or Resident of a Foreign Country.
- E2.A2.1.2.8raisedForeign Influence - Substantial Financial Interest in a Foreign Country.
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power.
- E2.A2.1.3.4appliedForeign Influence - Promptly Reported Contacts From Foreign Entities.
- E2.A2.1.3.5appliedForeign Influence - Minimal Foreign Financial Interests.
Key rule quoted
“"any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with the interests of national security will be resolved in favor of the nation's security."”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedNov 28, 2005
- Answer filedDec 5, 2005
- Hearing heldMar 15, 2006
- Decision dateJun 27, 2006
Cite for
- Evaluation of Foreign Influence Under Guideline B
- Importance of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations
- Consideration of Family Ties and Financial Interests in Security Clearance Cases.