FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OSC
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1998
(202) 616-2765
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888

NEW JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AD CAMPAIGN INFORMS IMMIGRANTS OF

THEIR EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- 500 Spanish and English language posters will appear inside Washington, D.C. metropolitan area buses informing immigrants about their rights against employment discrimination, under a new ad campaign sponsored by the Justice Department's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices.

The posters, which will appear in buses serving large immigrant communities, like Adams Morgan, Silver Spring and Arlington, will advise workers of their rights and where to call if they are experiencing discrimination in the workforce.

"We are reaching out to educate workers about their legal rights against discrimination," says Special Counsel John Trasviña. "America has benefitted greatly from the efforts of immigrants, so we must ensure that all work-authorized people--citizens and non-citizens alike--have the opportunity to work to support their families and to become productive and contributing members of American society."

The Office of Special Counsel protects the rights of U.S. citizens and work-authorized individuals against job discrimination based on their citizenship status or national origin.

"The law is very clear. It is illegal to deny a work-authorized individual a job based on his or her citizenship status or national origin," added Trasviña. "Discrimination based on language or accent may also be against the law."

Under immigration and civil rights laws, all work-authorized job seekers must be

treated equally during the hiring process. Employers must check the work authorization and

identity of every new employee by filling out the Form I-9, which can be obtained from the

Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

"While most employers get it right, we still see citizen-only policies, and practices which are discriminatory and illegal such as employers insisting on seeing a document issued by the INS. Our goal is to assist employers and achieve 100 percent compliance," Trasviña explained.

Individuals seeking assistance from the Office of Special Counsel should call

(202) 616-5594. Assistance is available in all languages. Employers may also call the

Automated Hotline at 1-800-255-8155. Or write to:

The Office of Special Counsel for Immigration

Related Unfair Employment Practices

P.O. Box 27728

Washington, D.C. 20038-7728

www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc E-mail address: osc@usdoj.gov

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