US Military Contracts

[CAVU]

I will also post this in the North America forum.

I am very fortunate to hold a green-card, as I grew up in the US, but was very disappointed, and a little upset, to be told by two potential US employers that the likelihood of my getting a job with them is remote.

The chief pilot of one airline explained that their US military contracts in the Far East are only eligible to be flown by US citizens. Since most of the company pilots want to be in the US, they send the new guys out. To hire me, they would have to bump someone more senior.

I understand that security has to be increased, but I don't see how citizenship confers security. After all, haven't several Taliban and other terrorists been US born and or/citizens. Moreover, if origin is a concern, why are non-US nationals allowed to enlist in the US armed forces. As a British Citizen, I hardly originate from source of significant anti-American terrorism. I have lived (on and off) in the US for the past ten years, was trained and educated here, and was formally an appointed Officer in the Royal Navy and therefore have already undergone extensive background checks. My background is both secure and easily verifiable

Of course, I would imagine that this would negate the opportunity of working for many other major US cargo carriers, like Atlas and World and I'm sure there are probably other closed opportunities yet to be discovered. I must say, the last thing I needed in the current economic climate are more obstacles.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

Not that I would pursue it, but is it even legal to deny employment on the basis of the above?