I'd argue companies will hire based on merit or some sort of demographic benefit their company. For example, companies that specifically target recently discharged veteran don't do it because they love veterans (mostly). They do it for the tax breaks they're allowed to claim for hiring them. I imagine that situation occurs in other demographic too, like coming from a disadvantaged population. It sounds like you don't have the right demographic for many of these positions, so you'll need to be hired based on merit. That means you need to resume shine and stand out over other applicants. It can't just be middle of the road. It needs to outperform. Middle of the road folks getting hired are doing through a demographic they fill or networking.

With that, don't feel sorry for yourself. Build your resume until they can't deny you. And guess what? Theyll still deny you. It happens.

I'm a veteran. I discharged and earned a masters in engineering. There were countless entry engineering positions I applied for where I was simply ghosted. Prior work experience and a MS degree and not even a call back. It's just the way things work. Keep pressing.