Expert: John Fuller - 12/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have been in the Sentri- Trusted program for over 8 years since then i never had a problem. But now due to my ex-partner
father of my daughter who had a pass record back in 1993. Now they took my sentri privilige & daughter's due a third person..  How can they do that ??? Beign a good citizen with good record. I believe someone else record should not affect my privilige.  Now  I have to cross every day for work and this program would save me from sitting in line for 1-2 hours every day. I was turned down how can this be held aganist me if is not my record ?? and they said I have no right due to family ties. This mean always be there on record i can't make my life again with another person ?? How can they affect my life like this.

ANSWER: Hi Elizabeth,

Although this is not in my area of expertise, it appears that you are a victim of what someone else has done.  Were you able to see the report and what it exactly contained?  Did your ex-partner ever have any joint property or credit with you?  Those are things that you should really check out because unless you are going for a Top Secret Clearance, I cannot understand how they would deny you a clearance based upon the actions of a person who was not your spouse even though he is the fater of your daughter.  I would demand to see the report; it is your right.  Also if it is still denied just based on that fact alone, I would immediately contact your Congressman and/or a labor lawyer.  

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt answer.
he was my partner four couple years & dependet the time we lived together but never married to him. Yes we had some credit together like any couple who lived together. But then now relationship ended. But like many relationships things change and why i should be judge from some else mistake if it was not me ??? But i diffently will ask for the report  

Answer
Elizabeth,

It is truly unfortunate but people can be turned down for a clearance or a clearance renewal just based upon what they call known association with "undesireable or unacceptable persons."  Even though you were not involved with any of the criminal activities, your association will raise flags.  However, your entire record should be evaluated and your credibility should have overridden whomever performed the background investigation on your for the clearance.    

I did look online and there is an online lawyer referral service that you could try.  They specialize in people who are denied clearances.  I have not used them but check out the web site.  It looks like you can send your clearance denial details to them for a free evaluation and possibly they can help you with an appeal.  I hope this helps!

http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/security-clearance_denial/security-clearance-a