Discrimination in the Workplace for Immigrants

Protection

As an immigrant, if you are authorized to work in the U.S., the Immigration and Nationality Act protects you from discrimination in the workplace. An employer cannot discriminate against you just because you are from another country. Nor can he fire you, harass you or refuse to promote you. You are entitled to the same rights as nonimmigrants. If you believe you are a victim of discrimination you can file a complaint with the Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) or the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC).

Vulnerability

Some employers feel they can take advantage of you. You might work long hours with low wages and poor working conditions. If you don't speak English well or tend to isolate yourself because of your cultural background, you might feel insecure about standing up for your rights. Your employer might take advantage of your vulnerable position resulting in discrimination and exploitation in the workplace. If the OSC or the EEOC decide not to pursue your case, you can still take action by filing a lawsuit against your employer.

Wage Gap

According to the Center for American Progress, an independent nonpartisan educational institute, there is a pronounced wage gap between an immigrant woman and a naturalized man in the workplace. As the primary caregiver to your family as a woman, you need your job to pay your bills. You realize that if you don't speak up about the effect of discrimination on your wages and on the wages of other women, your employer might think that you don't know that he is paying you less than others. On the other hand, if you do speak up you're worried about losing your job. There is a way to handle the situation. Do your homework on the relative wages in your market. Approach your boss with your concerns. Discrimination will affect your wages unless you take the initiative to stand up for yourself.

Public Programs

If you are a victim of discrimination in the workplace as an immigrant or if you know of someone who has been discriminated against because of her origin, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) can provide you with more information on your rights. They have services for victims of immigration-related employment discrimination. whether you have been asked for unreasonable documentation as part of your employment eligibility, treated unfairly, harassed, or been subjected to other forms of discrimination in the workplace. The programs provide seminars and educational material so that you understand what discrimination means, your rights, and what you can do about it.