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I Think I Faced Discrimination at Work Because of my National Origin. What Can I Do?
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If you were passed over for a promotion, terminated or laid off, not hired in favor of another candidate, or suffered harassment in your workplace, you could be a victim of national origin discrimination. This is the unfair treatment of an individual based on his or her actual or perceived place of birth.
As a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, you have the right to seek and maintain fulfilling work. There are a few positions that are only available to citizens, such as federal government positions. These rights are protected by the Immigration Reform and Control Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Both are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency that enforces our nation’s employment laws.
It is Illegal to Discriminate Based on Citizenship or National Origin
Recognizing citizenship and national origin discrimination is not always easy. A few examples of these types of discrimination include:
- Asking interviewees where they were born;
- Paying US citizens and permanent residents different rates for the same work;
- Refusing to promote non-citizens beyond a certain level in the company;
- Targeting an individual or group with off-color remarks, invasive questions, and offensive imagery; and
- Refusing to hire non-citizens.
Document Everything
Every time you feel you have experienced discrimination based on your citizenship status or national origin, document it. Print out emails and meeting notes that contain discriminatory content, note the date, time, and context of conversations where harassment or other forms of discrimination occur, and when it comes to being passed over for promotion or paid an unfair rate, keep all related documents to support your claim.
Report your Experienced to Human Resources
Before you file a discrimination claim with the EEOC, try to resolve your issue internally. Report your experiences to your company’s Human Resources department, which could result in an appropriate resolution for your case. But do not let your guard down or get rid of your supporting documents – you might still need to bring in outside aid.
Consider Filing a Discrimination Claim with the EEOC
If your report to Human Resources takes you nowhere, work with an employment lawyer to file a claim with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate your claim by examining your evidence and your workplace, and if it finds discrimination occurred, it may facilitate a settlement between you and the company. If not, you might have to file a discrimination lawsuit to have the court rule on your case.
Work with an Experienced Chicago Immigration Lawyer
Nobody has to tell you that becoming an American citizen or permanent resident and establishing yourself in a career here is a long, difficult process. When you suffer from discrimination in your workplace following all this effort, the consequences can feel especially unfair. Speak with an experienced immigration lawyer at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to determine the best course of action for exercising your rights to pursue a career in the United States. Contact our firm today to set up your initial consultation in our office.
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Outstanding Immigration Attorney – Worth Every Penny I cannot recommend Justin highly enough as an immigration attorney. My case was extremely difficult and complex, and from the very beginning, Justin demonstrated an exceptional level of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication. He took the time to fully understand every detail of my situation and explained the entire legal process clearly and honestly, which gave me confidence during a very stressful time. While…
I highly recommend this law firm! They are always honest right from the initial consultation. They don't take cases just for the money. My family member was a victim of an ICE raid in Michigan on November 17th and returned home on December 30th. It could have been faster, but everything happened during the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas). Maya Flores was recommended by another lawyer, and the entire team has…
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your help and professionalism throughout my green card and citizenship process. Your guidance has made everything much easier to understand, and I truly appreciate how patient, thorough, and responsive you’ve been with every question I had. I’m very grateful for your support and the quality of your work. I would gladly recommend your services to anyone who needs…
My experience with Kriezelman Burton & Associates was excellent. We worked with Jennifer Peyton, for removal proceedings due to being detained by ICE. Jennifer worked diligently and was responsive. Jennifer was supportive throughout the whole process and showed compassion. With the help of Jennifer and the help of the firm, we were able to get the removal proceedings stopped and received permanent residency. I am so thankful for Kriezelman Burton…
The Best human being to have your back when you really need it!!! Mr Burton's professionalism and sharpness saved my family....!!!!!
I cannot say enough amazing things about Kriezelman Burton & Associates and Attorney Jennifer Peyton. They are truly a godsend. Jennifer worked day and night on my brother’s case, and her dedication never wavered for a single moment. She consistently communicated with my sister-in-law and me, making sure we understood every step of the process and always keeping us informed. She built an incredibly structured and solid case for my…
I recently had the privilege of working with Attorney Brittni Rivera of Kriezelman, Burton & Associates on a habeas corpus case. From the very beginning, she demonstrated exceptional knowledge, integrity, and attention to detail. She was consistently responsive—always just an email away—and made me feel supported through every step of the process. Her guidance brought clarity during a very difficult time, and I am truly grateful for her dedication and…
So many immigration firms in Chicago who do you choose? I can tell you with certainty this is the place to go for you and your loved ones. My wife came over across the border under the Biden years. Our application was sent in, in May and by November we got approved for her 485. This law firm handles many cases of all different kinds so they just know what…
My God, if I could give 10 stars, I would. My family and I are so grateful, first and foremost to God and to attorney Brittni Rivera, who helped us free my husband. He was detained by ICE in Chicago and transferred to Michigan. The process after hiring attorney Brittni Rivera took only 15 days, when I was given about a month. It was incredibly fast and effective.
Our family is sincerely grateful to attorney Nicole M. Provax from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC for her professionalism, dedication, and support, as she guided us through every step with care and understanding. Thanks to her guidance, our case reached a positive outcome. We truly appreciate everything she has done for our family and highly recommend her and the firm.
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