National Origin Discrimination Law
The law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees because of their national origin. It protects U.S. citizens and nationals, permanent residents, temporary residents, refugees, and persons with asylum. An employer may not base its employment decisions on an employee’s birthplace, ancestry, culture, or accent. The law also protects employees from discrimination because of their association with family and friends from a different national origin. However, an employer may make employment decisions based on national origin if doing so is reasonably necessary for normal business operations.
Some examples of national origin discrimination are:
- You have been demoted, fired, or denied compensation or benefits because of your national origin, or because of the national origins of your family or friends.
- Your employer treats you less favorably than other employees because you dress according to the customs of your native country, you talk with an accent, or you belong to a group that is associated with persons from a particular country or ethnicity.
- Your employer does not allow you or other persons from foreign countries to do certain jobs even though you are capable of doing the work.
- Your manager or co-workers often make jokes about you or harass you because you are from a different country, and they continue to do so even after you ask them to stop.
- A potential employer only hires U.S. citizens, or during an interview, asks you about your national origin or your citizenship status.
Nichols Kaster & Anderson, PLLP has litigation experience in many types of cases, including discrimination beacuse of national origin. If you think you may become involved in litigation with your employer, feel free to contact us.
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