You cannot choose your family, but the federal government can—and will—choose whether your family ties make you a security risk. Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct), "negative familial association" is a common hurdle that requires more than just a simple disclosure.

Why the Government Cares About Your Relatives

Adjudicators aren't looking to punish you for a sibling’s arrest or a parent’s past. They are looking for Vulnerability.

Coercion & Blackmail: If a close relative is involved in criminal activity, are you susceptible to blackmail to protect them?

Shared Interests: Does your continued close association with a "shady" individual suggest that you share their lack of respect for the law?

Foreign Ties: If family members are involved with foreign governments or criminal enterprises, the risk of "Foreign Influence" (Guideline B) becomes a primary concern.

The "Lack of Candor" Death Sentence

The most frequent way applicants lose their clearance over family issues is by omitting them. Attempting to hide a brother’s prison record or a spouse’s foreign citizenship is a direct violation of Guideline E. In the eyes of an adjudicator, the "cover-up" proves you are untrustworthy, even if the family member’s history could have been mitigated.

Mitigating the Risk of Association

Defending your clearance against familial concerns requires a strategic demonstration of Independence.

Contact the Security Clearance Professionals at (904) 884-5891. We fight vigorously for our clients no matter the issue. You may also reach out to asya@securityclearancepro.com.