Summary
A 52-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen, employed by a defense contractor since 1992, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence). The Statement of Reasons cited that his four sisters and extended family are citizens and residents of Lebanon, and that he traveled to Lebanon in 1995/96, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 to visit them.
The judge determined that these disqualifying conditions were mitigated. Specifically, the applicant's immediate family members in Lebanon were not found to be agents of a foreign power and were not in a position to be exploited.
Furthermore, the applicant demonstrated strong ties to the U.S. through his long-term employment and family life. The cessation of his financial support to family in Lebanon also reduced potential security risks. Based on these factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant's immediate family members in Lebanon are not agents of a foreign power and are not in a position to be exploited.
- Applicant has established strong ties to the U.S. through his long-term employment and family life.
- The applicant's financial support to his family in Lebanon has ceased, reducing potential security risks.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1raisedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Members Are Citizens or Residents of a Foreign Country.
- E2.A2.1.3.1appliedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Members Are Not Agents of a Foreign Power.
- E2.A2.1.3.2rejectedForeign Influence - Contacts with Foreign Citizens Are Casual and Infrequent.Applicant's regular contact with family members in Lebanon does not support this condition.
- E2.A2.1.3.3rejectedForeign Influence - the Individual Has Not Engaged in Any Conduct That Would Make Them Vulnerable to Coercion.The applicant's family members are not in a position to be coerced.
Key Rule Quoted
“The mere possession of family ties with a person in a foreign country is not, as a matter of law, disqualifying under the FI guideline.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 21, 2006
- Answer filedMar 14, 2006
- Hearing heldSep 19, 2006
- Decision dateJan 31, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Importance of Strong U.S. Ties in Security Clearance Determinations
- Non-disqualifying Nature of Family Ties to Foreign Citizens