What Is Employment Verification Discrimination?

A new law is set to take effect on January 18, 2017 which will help end employment verification discrimination. Employment verification discrimination occurs when a worker is treated differently when beginning a new job. For example, if an employer requests certain documents from a new employee based on his or her perceived national origin or status. Specifically, the Immigration and Nationality Acts (INA) defines this type of discrimination as the act of intentionally treating an individual differently from other individuals because of national origin or citizenship status, regardless of the explanation for such differential treatment, and regardless of whether such treatment is because of animus or hostility.” When new employees go through the I-9 process, they are provided a list of potential documents that may be used as employment verification. If the employer asks for certain documents, rather than allowing the prospective employee to choose, this may be considered discrimination, regardless of employer intent. Such discrimination may become more prevalent with the new administrations stated desire to crack down on immigration enforcement, and may lead to increased violations of this provision.

For more information, or if you believe you have suffered discrimination based on your national origin or immigration status, please contact the experienced Atlanta employment discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation