Spouse refused entry - does it affect settlement visa?

[ChugaLuvMe]

Hi,

I am British cit. Spouse is US cit.

as some may have seen I have been asking a lot of questions but thought I'd start a new topic since it addresses a new situation.

My spouse had visited UK twice in 2017 - August and December - both for approx. 3 weeks. She visited again November 2018 and was detained by Border Force and subsequently refused entry to the UK as they were not satisfied she was a genuine visitor - no solid plans to return home, no return ticket etc.

She applied for a visit visa May 2019 which was approved as her circumstances had drastically changed - job in USA, plans to return, explained we are in long distance relationship, proof of annual leave etc. She used this visa to enter UK in August 2019 and again in December 2019.

We're now applying for UK spouse visa March 2020. Does her previous refusal affect this application? She thinks it will and I am not sure. I'm guessing not since she's expressing her intent to settle in the UK and wants to do it the legal way, and probably only reinforces their original decision to refuse her entry. I just don't want it to be a barrier in our visa application!

Thank you mentors.

[CR001]

Please continue your questions in your existing topic.