Attorney Wins "Foreign Influence" Appeal

An attorney reportedly has persuaded a Department of Defense (DoD) administrative law judge not to deny security clearance to his client based upon suspected “foreign influence” grounds.

The Government was concerned that the Applicant “may be manipulated or induced to help a foreign person, group, organization or government in a way that is not in U.S. interests or is vulnerable to pressure or coercion by any foreign interests.” The attorney submitted numerous character references and performance evaluations to DoD on his client’s behalf. The judge found that the information “alleviated any foreign influence concerns.”

Filed Under: Adjudication, Adverse Actions, Commercial Services