Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Does the Government Have to Give a Specific Reason for Denying Me a Security Clearance?
Many low-level private sector jobs require security clearances, including airline baggage handlers. Such personnel require a security clearance to access restricted areas under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). And under CBP regulations, there are dozens of grounds for denying a clearance, mostly related to cases where the employee committed a… Read More »
Will an Accidental Lie or Omission Doom My Security Clearance Chances?
Honesty is the best policy. That is more than common sense. When it comes to applying for a federal government security clearance, honesty is your only option. Any lie, error, or omission in your security clearance application (SCA) can–and will–be used as grounds to deny you a clearance. Even if you only lied by… Read More »
Can the Pentagon Discriminate Against Naturalized U.S. Citizens When It Comes to Reviewing Security Clearances?
As a general rule the federal courts do not intervene in security clearance decisions. The reason for this is fairly straightforward: Security clearances are a privilege, not a constitutional right, and the executive branch has wide discretion when it comes to deciding who should have access to sensitive information. That said, the government’s discretion… Read More »
Can Your Past “Sexual Behavior” Hurt Your Ability to Get a Security Clearance?
Your sex life is not a purely private matter when it comes to obtaining a government security clearance. Under Guideline D of the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines used by all federal executive branch agencies, a person may be disqualified from receiving or retaining a security clearance due to their current or past “sexual behavior.”… Read More »
Will Using Marijuana Jeopardize My Security Clearance?
California recently made national headlines when it recently legalized the “recreational” use of marijuana for adults. But while California and several other states have taken a more welcoming approach to marijuana, the drug remains strictly forbidden under federal law. And any history of marijuana usages on your part, legal or illegal, may jeopardize your… Read More »
How Your Consumer Debts May Cost You a Security Clearance
Many individuals are denied government security clearances for financial reasons. For example, U.S. Department of Defense regulations state that an individual “who is financially overextended” may be denied a clearance as he or she is “at risk of having to engage in illegal acts to generate funds.” Similarly, the DOD may assume that an… Read More »
Can I Challenge the Revocation of My Security Clearance Based on Racial or National Origin Discrimination?
It is extremely difficult to challenge the revocation of a government security clearance in court. The U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts have long held the judiciary has no inherent authority to “review security-clearance determinations,” which are ultimately a discretionary function exercised by the President of the United States and other executive branch… Read More »
What Happens If I’m Denied a Security Clearance Due to an Inaccurate Background Check?
Many people are denied a security clearance due to unfavorable information uncovered during a criminal background or credit check. Given the importance of such checks, it is critical the information itself is accurate. And if there are inaccuracies, one would assume the affected individual would receive adequate time and notice to remedy the situation…. Read More »
Can I Lose My Security Clearance Due to a Disability?
Keeping your government security clearance may be a problem if you suffer from certain physical or mental disorders that affect your ability to perform certain work-related tasks. Although federal law generally protects employees with disabilities from retaliation–and in fact requires agencies to make “reasonable accommodation” for such individuals–that does not apply to the granting… Read More »
