Not the OP, but I would say that yes, sometimes the risk is just too high. There's no inherent right to be granted a security clearance. To your point though,

Not the OP, but I would say that yes, sometimes the risk is just too high. There's no inherent right to be granted a security clearance. To your point though, I'm not sure how a blanket ban of e.g. naturalized citizens from country X jives with anti-discrimination law. If I had a better internet connection at the moment I'd look into it. iirc, I believe there is a national security exception, and there are obviously others. As a man, go ahead and try to apply for a position as a stripper at a male oriented club, or as a waiter at Hooters. The Christian Coalition of <whatever> isn't required to hire atheists.