Help with the TSA security clearance

[huskerfan]

Hey all,
I was wondering if any of you could help me out. I was recently hired on with a regional airline. However since I'm not a US citizen I had to get the new special TSA security clearance. After a long wait I was finally given a full clearance. I was supposed to start training today, however on Friday the TSA informed my new employer I could not start training beacuse something came up in my background check. So today I called the TSA to find out the deal. They told me that US immigration told them I was in the US illegally. I called US immigration and they told me my records were fine and that I am in the US legally. The TSA is not willing to call immigration to verify this and immigration is not willing to contact the TSA to recitfy this problem. So now the TSA has revoked my security clearance. I don't know what to do or where to turn to for help. All I've ever wanted to do since I was a kid was to fly for an airline. I was 55 hours away from attaining this goal. It totally sucks to have this taken away from me by the TSA. I'm trying to get the help of our local congressman. Any serious replies would be appreciated and hopefully there won't be any negative replies about me being a non American. I was born only 50 miles north of the USA and I'm not trying to screw the system or take jobs from anybody. I just want to fly and be able to provide for my family.

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Get a lawyer dude..

 

[Vspeeds]

Airline HR Personnel

Why can't the Airline HR Personnel get involved? Pretty sure they can do something.

Or

Try getting a letter from Immigration (if possible) that you are "Legally" in this country.
Take that letter to the airline. Tell them if they can consider you at a later date.


Pursue TSA with MAX THRUST by way of a lawyer.

Hope it helps!

Anyway best of luck!

 

[RideTheWind]

You must be a white guy I bet, if you were a raghead they'd let you right in, sht for brains TSA, they're good for nothing, all they do is harass pilots.

 

[huskerfan]

Hey Ride, I'm actually not a white guy. Sorry to crush you there. One thing to keep in mind though is those of us who are not white have probably had to go through a tonne of crap with the TSA. I personally have. I'm not against racial profiling, all I ask is that the TSA treat me with respect. I have been and am open to talking to any US Government agency if they have any concerns. Just not a big fan of when it is done by force or lying, which I have experienced both. I know what happened during 9/11 and understand that the US needs to protect itself. I just want to be able to provide for my family(white US born wife) and fulfill my dream of flying as a career.

 

[ultrarunner]

today I called the TSA to find out the deal. They told me that US immigration told them I was in the US illegally.

That my friend is the big question.

I'm all for locking down the boarders, etc...

but when INS indicates to another agency that someone is an illegal, that is a BIG FREAKING DEAL.

IF you are here legally in the US, and have the papers to prove it, take all that $$IT to an attorney that specialized in INS/Deportation issues, and get that Atty to get the ball rolling with your prospective employers HR department.

I would hope for the best and plan for the worst. Not much recourse, IMO, when your a forigner trying to fight these issues...

My brother is an atty that specialized in INS deportation issues, and it is a VERY scary time right now.

...especially with recent border control (I use that loosely) devleopments.

 

[T-REX]

This may seem like a wiseass response, but since you've been living and working in the states-and probably completed training here also. Why not just bite the bullet and become a citizen? More and more employers are requiring pilots to be US citizens so they dont have to go through all that INS/Right to Work Crap.

 

[huskerfan]

I'd love to become a citizen. If allowed I'd do it tomorrow. I wish it was that easy. I've already lived in the US for four years. However It'll take me at least another 5 to become a citizen.

 

[2yrs2go]

Husker,


This may not be a route you have considered, but it might work. Contact the
LOCAL office of your Congressman. They have people who do what is called constituent services for just this type of issue. Some offices are very good and will get right on the issue. Some even have a person who handles immigration/work status staff. You would be surprised how quickly some of these offices can resolve these kinds of issues.

This is an urgent issue, so do it first by phone. If they balk or seem uninterested, send a letter to your local Congressman, then to each of your Senators. If it reaches the point where you have to write a letter, mention in the letter that you called the office and did not receive the help you needed (different people read the letters initially). Hand deliver the letter if possible. Make sure you follow up.

As a former Senate staffer, I remember getting these kind of requests all the time. That is part of the job. And remember, be very kind to the staffer. The person who answers the phone/works on your issue probably makes about the same as (or less) than a regional FO!

GOOD LUCK.

 

[soarby007]

Ah, the beauty of being a Citizen. Everyone should appreciate it more when you hear these stories.

 

[YGBSM]

Husker,


This may not be a route you have considered, but it might work. Contact the
LOCAL office of your Congressman. They have people who do what is called constituent services for just this type of issue. Some offices are very good and will get right on the issue. Some even have a person who handles immigration/work status staff. You would be surprised how quickly some of these offices can resolve these kinds of issues.

This is an urgent issue, so do it first by phone. If they balk or seem uninterested, send a letter to your local Congressman, then to each of your Senators. If it reaches the point where you have to write a letter, mention in the letter that you called the office and did not receive the help you needed (different people read the letters initially). Hand deliver the letter if possible. Make sure you follow up.

As a former Senate staffer, I remember getting these kind of requests all the time. That is part of the job. And remember, be very kind to the staffer. The person who answers the phone/works on your issue probably makes about the same as (or less) than a regional FO!

GOOD LUCK.

I think I know why you're not a senate staffer any more.

 

[Metro752]

Yeah, contact the congressmen, usually they will help, especially in your case.

Doesn't it only take 4 years to become a citizen? Must be some technical stuff they don't teach you in 8th grade.

 

[Flyingdutchman]

For a 'normal' person from western Europe it takes about 1 or 2 years to get a temp. workpermit (H).. Then it takes about 4 years to get a greencard, and after that about 4/5 years to become a citizen..

 

[huskerfan]

Thanks for the info 2yrs2goI've got the congressmans office looking into it too! Hopefully they'll help me out.

 

[Metro752]

Good luck!

 

[Lilah]

huskerfan,

Are you doing anything on May 5th?

Lilah

 

[huskerfan]

No I am not, but why do you ask??

 

[Lilah]

huskerfan,

I thought you may have been somebody I know indirectly, and the date might have confirmed it, check for a PM.

Lilah

 

[TheDogsBollocks]

I'd love to become a citizen. If allowed I'd do it tomorrow. I wish it was that easy. I've already lived in the US for four years. However It'll take me at least another 5 to become a citizen.

Huskerfan,

If you have been a lawful permenant resident AND married to your wife for at least 3 years you can apply for citizenship, that is one of the exceptions to the 5 year requirement. It sounds to me you may need a consultation with an immigration laywer.

Best of luck.

 

[2yrs2go]

I think I know why you're not a senate staffer any more.

And why is that? I am not sure I follow?