If you have family overseas or other international ties, you might be losing sleep over how these connections could impact your security clearance. Perhaps you’ve received a Statement of Reasons (SOR) citing “Guideline B – Foreign Influence,” or you’re worried because you have a foreign spouse or assets abroad. It’s terrifying to think that something as personal as who you love or where your parents live might jeopardize your career and livelihood. You’re not alone – foreign influence concerns are one of the most common reasons security clearances get denied or revoked. The anxiety and uncertainty can be overwhelming, but there is good news: these issues can often be mitigated with the right strategy and guidance.

At National Security Law Firm, we help clients just like you overcome Guideline B concerns and secure their dream outcome – keeping or obtaining the clearance they need for their career. We understand what’s at stake: your job, income, reputation, and future. Our team, which includes former intelligence officers, DOHA attorneys, and military veterans, knows the security clearance process inside-out. We’ve advised government agencies on these exact issues, and now we’ll fight for you. With our expert legal guidance, you can demonstrate your loyalty to the U.S. and put the government’s fears to rest. In short, we help you solve the problem causing you so much worry – so you can move forward in your career with confidence.

Understanding Guideline B: Foreign Influence

Guideline B (Foreign Influence) is one of 13 adjudicative guidelines used to evaluate security clearance eligibility. In plain terms, this guideline asks: Could your foreign connections make you vulnerable to pressure or coercion from a foreign entity? The concern is that divided loyalties or financial ties abroad might cause you to inadvertently (or under duress) compromise classified information. As the official guideline states, “foreign contacts and interests, including… financial and property interests, are a national security concern if they result in divided allegiance… or create circumstances in which the individual may be manipulated or induced to help a foreign person, group, organization, or government in a way inconsistent with U.S. interests.”

In practice, the government isn’t saying you’ve done anything wrong by itself. Rather, they are worried about what could happen. For example, if you have close family in another country, an adversarial foreign intelligence service might attempt to exploit that – “Do this for us, or we’ll harm your family.” Or if you have significant business interests overseas, they worry that financial pressure could tempt you to betray U.S. secrets. Guideline B is all about these “what if” scenarios. The mere existence of a foreign tie can raise a red flag because it might be leveraged under the worst circumstances. Clearance adjudicators will ask: If a hostile foreign actor wanted to influence you, do you have any vulnerabilities they could exploit?

Common Foreign Influence Concerns (Guideline B Triggers)

Because Guideline B is so broad, it can be triggered by many situations in your life. Some of the most common examples include:

  • Close family members living abroad: If you have immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, children) who are citizens or residents of another country, it’s an automatic concern. The government worries you might feel “divided allegiance” between your family’s welfare and U.S. interests. Even extended family or close friendships overseas can raise eyebrows if the relationships are very close or involve a sense of obligation.

  • Living with or dating a foreign national: Cohabitating with someone from another country, or marrying/engaging to a foreign citizen, will trigger scrutiny. The concern is not personal or discriminatory – it’s purely about security risk. They fear your partner (or their family) could be pressured by their home country’s agencies, thereby indirectly pressuring you.

  • Foreign government contacts or associations: Do you have relatives or associates connected to a foreign government, military, or intelligence service? That’s a red flag. Even friendly governments are considered – though contacts linked to U.S.-allied countries may be viewed more benignly than those linked to adversaries. If, say, your cousin works for a foreign defense ministry, expect Guideline B questions.

  • Unreported foreign contacts: Failing to report required contacts with foreign nationals is itself a Guideline B (and Guideline E) concern. If you left a foreign contact off your SF-86 form or didn’t report a foreign friendship as required by your agency, adjudicators see a double issue: the contact and the omission. It raises suspicions that the relationship might be secretive or that you were trying to hide it.

  • Association with foreign intelligence or espionage suspects: This is an obvious but serious one – any unauthorized association with a known or suspected foreign intelligence agent will raise loud alarm bells. Even an innocent friendship with someone who later turns out to be a foreign spy would put you in a very tough position to explain.

  • Behavior that a foreign entity could exploit: This is a catch-all. If you’ve engaged in conduct that a foreign government could use to blackmail or pressure you, it falls under Guideline B For instance, if you frequently travel to a certain country and break their laws, that could be leveraged against you. Or if you made controversial statements that a foreign regime could use against you or your family abroad, that too is a concern.

  • Foreign attempts to increase your vulnerability: Sometimes the foreign influence can be more direct – e.g., evidence that foreign actors have been cultivating you or someone close to you as a potential insider threat. This could be something like a stranger from country X suddenly befriending you online and asking unusual questions (a possible intelligence “spotting” attempt), or a situation like the classic “honey trap” where a foreign national initiates a romantic relationship under false pretenses.

  • Significant foreign financial interests: Money always matters. If you have large financial interests in another country (investments, property, bank accounts, business ventures), the government will question if those assets could be held hostage or if your financial well-being is tied to a foreign power. A substantial inheritance abroad, owning a foreign rental property, or major stock holdings in a foreign company can all trigger Guideline B concerns.

Real-World Example (Hypothetical): John is a U.S. defense contractor engaged to a woman from China. He also co-owns a small business in Turkey with his cousin. When John submitted his SF-86, he listed his fiancée and his foreign business interest. Soon after, he received a Statement of Reasons alleging security concerns under Guideline B – pointing to his fiancée and his overseas business. This scenario (while hypothetical) is very plausible. John’s situation hits multiple Guideline B triggers: a close personal tie to a Chinese citizen and a financial stake in Turkey. These facts alone don’t mean John is disloyal, but an adjudicator will worry: Could John’s fiancée (or her family) be used to influence him? Could John’s foreign business create divided loyalties or vulnerability?

Each of these situations could raise a red flag depending on context – and context is everything. The government will dig into details such as how close your relationship really is, how often you communicate or send money, which country is involved (ally vs. adversary), and what positions or affiliations those foreign contacts have. A weekly phone call to your parents in France is viewed differently than weekly calls to someone in Iran. A foreign spouse from Canada (a U.S. ally) is less alarming than one from a country under U.S. sanctions – though either will require mitigation. The key point is that the mere presence of foreign ties is not a clearance killer; it simply means the government will require assurance that those ties won’t compromise your loyalty.

How to Mitigate Guideline B Security Concerns

If you’ve discovered that Guideline B applies to you, don’t panic. There are clear, actionable steps you can take to mitigate foreign influence concerns. The adjudicative guidelines themselves lay out several mitigating factors – essentially, arguments or circumstances that can resolve the concern in the government’s eyes. Your goal is to show that yes, I have foreign ties, but they do NOT make me a security risk. Here’s how:

  • Prove Your Family Isn’t a Threat: One of the strongest mitigators is demonstrating that your immediate family or close contacts overseas “are not agents of a foreign power and are not in a position to be exploited by a foreign power” to make you choose them over the U.S. In practice, this means gathering evidence about who your foreign relatives are – e.g. their occupations, affiliations, and whereabouts. If your parents abroad are retired schoolteachers with no connection to any government, state that clearly. If your brother overseas is a software engineer for a private company and has zero involvement in politics or the military, that’s a mitigating fact. Essentially, you want to show that even if a foreign government wanted to pressure you through your family, it wouldn’t make sense because your family members have no leverage or sensitive ties themselves. Also, emphasize if your relatives support your U.S. career and would never ask you to do anything against American interests. Letters or affidavits from family can help here, if appropriate, to attest that they understand your duty and would never be a conduit for undue influence. (For example, if John’s fiancée in our hypothetical is not connected to any foreign government and is willing to immigrate to the U.S., those facts would help show she isn’t a security threat.)

  • Emphasize Casual or Infrequent Contact: Guideline B can be mitigated if your contact with foreign individuals is “casual and infrequent.” This means you should document how often (or rather, how seldom) you actually communicate or see the foreign contact in question. If you have a friend abroad whom you email once a year, or a cousin you haven’t seen in a decade, make that timeline clear. The more distant or intermittent the relationship, the less likely it could be used to influence you. Sometimes applicants will compile communication logs or social media messages to demonstrate the sporadic nature of contact. Also, clarify the nature of the relationship – e.g., “college acquaintance,” “distant relative,” or “social media friend” – if it’s not a deeply personal bond, say so. The adjudicators look for whether you are “bound by affection, influence, common interests, or obligation.” If the honest answer is that the foreign contact is more of a casual acquaintance, that’s a point in your favor.

  • Demonstrate Full Disclosure and Compliance: If you promptly and fully disclosed your foreign contacts and interests on your SF-86 (Standard Form 86) and during any security interviews, you’ve already taken a big step toward mitigation. Following the rules by reporting required information shows that you’re not trying to hide anything and that you take security regulations seriously. Ensure you have records of your disclosures – for instance, a copy of your SF-86 where those contacts are listed, or emails where you reported contact with a foreign national to your security officer. One official mitigating factor is that “the individual has promptly complied with agency requirements regarding the reporting of contacts, requests, or threats from foreign persons.” So if you’ve been approached by a foreign national in a suspicious way and you reported it immediately, highlight that. It shows you can recognize and handle foreign influence attempts in a responsible manner. On the flip side, if you did initially omit something (perhaps out of confusion or forgetfulness), rectify it immediately. Come clean at the earliest opportunity – preferably before it’s discovered. An experienced security clearance attorney can help you prepare an affidavit or statement to correct the record. Being proactive and honest now can mitigate the damage of a previous omission.

  • Highlight Official U.S. Connections: Another mitigating condition is if your foreign contacts are the result of official U.S. Government business. This often applies to military members or diplomats who, by the nature of their jobs, work with foreign allies. For example, if you were stationed overseas and developed friendships with host nation colleagues, or you liaise with foreign counterparts as part of an official program, make it clear that these contacts were not personal choices but professional duties carried out in service of the U.S. In such cases, you should also show that you followed all required protocols (like briefing and debriefing procedures, reporting the contacts, etc.). The idea here is that contact with foreign nationals in an official capacity is generally less concerning, because it’s out in the open and part of your job – not a private loyalty. If John’s business in Turkey, for instance, was actually a U.S. government-sanctioned project or a result of his employer’s assignment, that context would mitigate the concern (unfortunately for John, a personal business venture is not official U.S. business – but one could imagine another scenario where someone’s foreign financial interest is backed by a U.S. program).

  • Minimize or Eliminate Foreign Financial Interests: If you have foreign bank accounts, property, investments, or businesses, the smaller they are, the better. The adjudicative guideline specifically notes that if “foreign financial interests are minimal and not sufficient to affect the individual’s security responsibilities,” it’s a mitigating factor. You’ll want to provide documentation of the value and nature of your foreign assets. If it’s a bank account, how much is typically in it? If it’s property, what’s it worth (and is it, say, a small inherited plot of land versus a lucrative rental condo)? If possible, consider liquidating or divesting large foreign assets. Nothing mitigates a foreign financial concern quite like getting rid of it entirely – if you sell that property abroad or close that account, then it can no longer influence you. Of course, that’s a big decision and not always feasible, but it’s worth weighing if a particular asset is jeopardizing your clearance. At the very least, demonstrate that your financial life is primarily rooted in the U.S. Show that your salary, primary bank accounts, retirement investments, home, etc., are all in the United States, and foreign assets (if any) are a tiny fraction of your net worth. The government wants to see that your fortunes aren’t tied to some foreign entity. For example, if John’s business in Turkey is a minor side venture that he’s willing to walk away from, that willingness and the insignificance of the business to his overall finances would help mitigate the concern.

  • Show Deep Ties and Loyalty to the U.S.: Beyond the specific Guideline B mitigating factors listed in the regulations, it helps immensely to paint a “whole person” picture of your life firmly anchored in the United States. Adjudicators will consider the totality of who you are – your character, habits, and connections – to assess if you’re likely to be loyal and reliable. So, emphasize things like: you’re a U.S. citizen (if naturalized, note the year and that you’ve since perhaps renounced any prior citizenship if applicable), your spouse and children (if any) are U.S. persons, you own a home in the U.S., you pay taxes here, your closest friends are here, and you’re involved in your local American community (e.g. volunteering, PTA, church, etc.). If you immigrated to the U.S., share a bit of your American success story and patriotism. Maybe you left your birth country to escape oppression or to pursue the American Dream – that speaks to where your loyalties truly lie. Participation in civic duties (like voting in U.S. elections, jury service, military service) and refraining from exercises of foreign citizenship (like not voting in foreign elections or using foreign passports) also solidify the narrative that you identify as an American first and foremost. Essentially, you want to make the argument: “Everything about my life demonstrates my loyalty to the United States – my foreign connections don’t change that, and I would never put the U.S. at risk, even for them.” Any evidence or testimonials that support your honest patriotism can be helpful, as long as they are credible and not overly jingoistic. Character reference letters from supervisors, coworkers, or community leaders noting your trustworthiness can supplement the purely factual mitigation evidence.

Hypothetical Mitigation Example: Let’s revisit our example with John, the contractor with a Chinese fiancée and a business in Turkey. How could John mitigate the Guideline B concerns? First, John could gather proof that his fiancée has no ties to any foreign government or intelligence service – e.g., she’s a private citizen, perhaps a schoolteacher, with no family in the Chinese government. He might include a letter from her or documentation of her employment and family background. John could also show that he has been transparent about this relationship from the start (demonstrating he listed it on his SF-86 and informed his security officer). Next, for the Turkish business, John could present financial records to show it’s a small enterprise with minimal profits – nothing that would sway his financial stability. If feasible, he might even choose to sell his share in the business to eliminate the concern entirely. Additionally, John should highlight his strong U.S. ties: he’s a U.S. citizen, perhaps a military veteran; he owns a home in the U.S.; his bank accounts and investments are all in the U.S.; and his life is clearly centered here. Maybe his fiancée is also planning to move to the U.S. permanently – another mitigating factor, since it indicates the foreign tie is becoming a domestic one. By compiling all this, John can make a compelling case that while he has foreign connections, they do not pose a security risk. He is loyal to the U.S., he has taken steps to minimize any potential vulnerability, and he is precisely the type of responsible individual the clearance system can trust despite those ties.

One thing to remember is that mitigation is often about quality of evidence and credibility. Anyone can claim “I won’t be influenced.” You need to back it up with facts and behavior. This is where having an experienced security clearance attorney is invaluable – we know exactly what adjudicators look for and how to present your story in the most favorable light. From our experience at NSLF, even serious Guideline B concerns (like family in countries of concern, or significant foreign assets) can be overcome with the right combination of mitigating evidence. There are numerous cases where applicants initially seemed headed for denial, but by the time we helped them compile affidavits, financial statements, family documents, and personal statements, the government was satisfied and granted the clearance. Every case is unique, but the goal is the same: to show your risk is low and manageable. And if you’ve already been denied or face a DOHA hearing, it’s not too late – you can still introduce mitigating evidence at the hearing to turn things around.

Our Flat-Fee Pricing (and Financing Options)

Worried about the cost of legal help? We understand, and we believe finances should not stand between you and your career. National Security Law Firm offers transparent flat-fee pricing for all security clearance matters. This means you know upfront exactly how much your case will cost – no surprises, no billable-hour games. Typical flat fees for our services are:

  • SF-86 Initial Review & Consultation: $950 flat. (Ideal if you’re just starting your application and want to preempt any Guideline B issues by getting it right the first time.)

  • Letter of Interrogatory (LOI) or SOR Response: $3,500 flat. (If you’ve received a Letter of Interrogatory to deny or a Statement of Reasons citing Guideline B, we prepare a complete written response with evidence to mitigate the concerns.)

  • Statement of Reasons (SOR) + Hearing Package: $5,000 flat. (This covers drafting the SOR response and includes a $3,000 credit if you already paid for an LOI response. We’ll see your case through the written response stage and get you ready for the next steps.)

  • DOHA Hearing Representation: $7,500 flat (travel included). (We will represent you at the hearing in front of the DOHA administrative judge – this fee covers all prep, travel, and advocacy at the hearing.)

Those are example rates to give you an idea. We’ll quote a flat fee tailored to your situation so you know exactly what it will cost to resolve your clearance issue. Importantly, investing in a qualified clearance attorney now can save your clearance (and thus your income) for years to come – many clients view it as a small price to pay for protecting a six-figure career.

We also know that not everyone has budget for legal fees sitting around. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans through Pay Later by Affirm. This legal financing option allows you to spread out the cost over 3, 6, 12, or even 24 months – often with 0% or low interest, and with no impact on your credit just to check eligibility. In short, you can get the legal help now when you need it, and pay for it gradually over time. We’ve partnered with Affirm because it’s quick and client-friendly – you can apply online in minutes and see transparent terms. Our financing page has more details on how it works, but the upshot is: don’t let money worries stop you from getting the defense you need. We get paid upfront by Affirm, and you pay them back in installments – so we can immediately jump in and start working on your case. Many of our clients take advantage of this to ease the financial burden. After all, your clearance (and the career it enables) is an investment worth protecting.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

When it comes to defending against a Guideline B concern, you want the best team on your side. This isn’t a routine paperwork exercise – it’s essentially defending your character and trustworthiness. At National Security Law Firm, security clearance law is all we do. Here are a few reasons we’re uniquely qualified to help you:

  • Unmatched Experience and Insider Knowledge: Our firm is staffed by former DOHA attorneys, ex-military JAG lawyers, and even a former Acting Chief Judge for security clearance appeals. We have literally been on the other side of the table, making clearance decisions and prosecuting clearance cases. Now we use that insider insight to benefit our clients. We know how adjudicators think, what evidence carries weight, and how to preempt the arguments they might use. Few firms can boast this level of relevant experience – we’ve been in the trenches of national security law for years.

  • Attorney Review Board for Every Case: When you hire NSLF, you don’t just get one lawyer – you get a team. We have an internal Attorney Review Board that reviews every case from multiple angles. Guideline B cases can be complex and fact-heavy; our collaborative approach means no detail is missed. We strategize together to formulate the strongest defense for you, applying all applicable mitigating factors and crafting the most persuasive narrative. This team approach is a major advantage we offer, ensuring quality control and creative solutions.

  • Specialization in Security Clearances: Beware of general practice lawyers dabbling in clearance work. At NSLF, security clearance defense is not a side practice – it’s our core focus. We stay up-to-date on the latest policy changes, DOHA appeal decisions, and trends in adjudications. From Guideline A through Guideline M, we’ve seen it all. This specialized knowledge means we can often anticipate issues and address them proactively. In Guideline B cases, for example, we know the subtle differences in how different agencies handle foreign contacts, or how a DOHA judge in one region might view a particular country differently than another. This nuance can be the difference between clearance granted or denied.

  • D.C.-Based and Nationwide Reach: We are headquartered in Washington, D.C., the epicenter of security clearance adjudication. We’re a stone’s throw from the agencies and tribunals that decide these cases, which keeps us in the loop. But we represent clients nationwide (and even overseas where U.S. personnel are stationed). Whether you’re in Virginia or California or on a base in Japan, we can help. We leverage secure video conferencing and our advanced online client portal to make working with us easy no matter your location. Our attorneys travel to DOHA hearings around the country – wherever your case is, we’ll be there.

  • Veteran-Owned, Veteran-Staffed: National Security Law Firm was founded by disabled U.S. military veterans, and many of our attorneys and staff are veterans or former federal employees themselves. We know what it means to serve, and we carry that dedication into fighting for our clients. We also understand military culture and the security clearance process from the servicemember’s perspective – you won’t have to explain acronyms or protocols to us. This connection to the community fuels our passion: It’s our turn to fight for you.

  • Proven Track Record of Success: Our success is measured in saved careers and restored clearances. We’re proud to have helped hundreds of clients across the spectrum – from young military members to seasoned defense contractors – resolve clearance issues. Many of our clients come to us after trying to navigate the process alone, and we’re able to turn their cases around. We invite you to read our Google Reviews to hear directly from those we’ve helped. We maintain a 4.9-star rating, with clients praising our knowledge, responsiveness, and results. These aren’t just happy testimonials; they reflect that when your clearance (and by extension your livelihood) was on the line, we delivered.

  • Client-Focused Service: High stakes cases require a high level of support. We pride ourselves on being accessible and communicative. You’ll have direct contact with your attorney, regular updates, and all your questions answered – no wondering what’s happening with your case. Our goal is not only to win your case, but also to make the process as stress-free for you as possible. We know you’re under a lot of stress; our job is to shoulder that burden and give you peace of mind that professionals are handling it.

In short, NSLF is the go-to law firm for Guideline B issues because of our expertise, our team approach, and our commitment to our clients’ success. When you choose us, you’re getting an elite unit of national security lawyers who wake up every day ready to protect clearances and fight for those who protect us.

Additional Resources on Security Clearances

Dealing with Guideline B might just be one part of your security clearance journey. You may have other questions, like how the overall process works, what to expect in a clearance interview, or how other guidelines (like financial issues or foreign preference) might come into play. We’ve got you covered. Visit our Security Clearance Strategy Center – a free online library of resources to help you succeed. Here are just a few things you can find there:

❗️ Your Clearance, Your Career, Your Future – Don’t Risk It

Every day you wait to address a Guideline B issue is another day the government could be building a case against you. The security clearance investigators and adjudicators are not slowing down – if anything, they’re gathering more information and solidifying their concerns while you delay. The sooner you act, the better your chances of a positive outcome. It’s far easier to mitigate concerns before a final denial is issued than to appeal an already-made decision. Time really is of the essence. If you’ve received a Letter of Interrogatory or SOR, the clock is ticking on your deadline to respond. If you haven’t heard anything yet but know there’s a potential issue, getting ahead of it can make all the difference.

This is not the time to “wait and see” or attempt DIY fixes. Guideline B cases involve nuanced judgments about loyalty and foreign entanglements – things that are easy to get wrong without expert help. You need an elite legal team with insider knowledge, courtroom experience, and a battle-tested strategy. We have your six. When you engage National Security Law Firm, we move quickly to take the pressure off your shoulders and start building your defense. From the first free consultation, we’ll give you clear guidance on what to do (and what not to do) to maximize your chances. You’ll walk away from that call with an action plan and renewed peace of mind.

Imagine being able to sleep soundly again, knowing that your clearance issue is in capable hands. Our clients often tell us that after they hired us, they felt a huge weight lifted – instead of worrying, they could focus on their job while we handled the case. You deserve that peace of mind and the best possible defense. We offer free, no-pressure consultations and lightning-fast onboarding – you can literally book a consultation right now and have a meeting with an attorney scheduled in minutes. No need to play phone tag or explain your situation to a receptionist; just pick a time on our online calendar and we’ll take it from there. It’s that easy to get started.

The National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You. You’ve spent your career protecting our nation’s security; now let us protect your security clearance. The quickest way to put this behind you is to schedule your free consultation with our team. We’ll listen to your story, assess the Guideline B issues, and tell you exactly what steps to take next. There’s no obligation and absolutely no cost to you for the initial consult – just straight talk about your case and how we can help. The longer you wait, the more you stand to lose. Take control of your future today: book your consultation now and let’s secure your clearance so you can get back to your important work with full confidence. We look forward to helping you safeguard your career.