FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2008 WWW.USDOJ.GOV CRT (202) 514-2007 TDD (202) 514-1888 WASHINGTON - The Justice Department announced today that it is making funding available for grant programs designed to promote public education efforts regarding immigration-related employment discrimination.
The Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC), a section of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, announced the availability of funds for public education programs regarding employees rights and employers obligations under the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The program is open to public service groups, faith-based organizations, associations and others providing information services to employers and/or potential victims of immigration-related employment discrimination. Last year, grants ranging from $40,000 to $90,000 were awarded to 11 organizations serving communities throughout the country.
In some situations, the INA prohibits discrimination against work-authorized individuals on the basis of citizenship status or national origin in hiring, firing and recruiting or referring for a fee. In addition, the provision prohibits employers from requiring over-documentation in the employment eligibility verification process. The INA also prohibits retaliation against protected conduct under the INA.
The deadline for grant applications is 11:59 p.m. EDT Mar. 31, 2008. The grant announcement is available on OSCs Web site at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc or http://www.grants.gov.. 08-089
Source: US Department of Justice