Definition: Through the Immigration and Nationality Act, employers who are hiring, discharging, or recruiting or referring for a fee, cannot discriminate because of national origin against U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and authorized aliens.
Employers also cannot discriminate because of citizenship status against U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and the following classes of aliens with work authorization: permanent residents, temporary residents (individuals who have gone through the legalization program), asylees, and refugees.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, discrimination law is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Examples:
Not hiring an individual because he or she is an authorized alien rather than a U.S. citizen is discrimination.
