>I am not a native speaker of English, so it may be that.
Oh sure, to summarize: many of the roles I'd take would require a security clearance, but private companies that could make an exception to hire me refuse for irrational reasons, and it's making me sad because I never thought someone would emigrate FROM Pittsburgh.
I got the sense people used many tactics you'd often use with someone who is not a native US citizen, perhaps accidentally, not understanding that on a long enough timeline, I may choose another country to call home if folks will conflate being told to pay me with some kind of violent extortion.
Did the above help?
I'm happy to do a call, but if we speak verbally and the outcome isn't a promising lead, then I have to treat the contents of the call as business intelligence.
Does that help you understand?
I'll be more careful to speak simply next time we have that rare moment we're all being professional.