FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CR

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 1999

(202) 616-2777

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN
TO PREVENT IMMIGRATION-RELATED JOB DISCRIMINATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Justice Department announced today that it has launched a nationwide media campaign to prevent immigration-related job discrimination and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities under immigration laws.

The campaign, coordinated by the Department's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC), includes four television and four radio spots. These public service announcements, including two in Spanish and one featuring the voice of veteran actor and Asian American community leader George Takei (Star Trek's Lt. Sulu), were distributed to the top 20 media markets in the country, and began airing in July.

"Enforcing the laws against employment discrimination includes protecting documented workers from bias because of their accent, national origin, immigration status or citizenship," said John Trasviña, Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices.

"While most employers comply with the immigration laws, discrimination persists. OSC can assist and train employers on fair hiring practices and help workers get hired or reinstated with back pay," added Trasviña.

Any employer who has questions about properly documenting the work-authorization of a new employee may call OSC's Automated Employer Hotline: 1-800-255-8155. OSC's services are provided in English and many other languages. Workers who are employment-authorized and who believe they have been discriminated against may call 1-800-255-7688 or 202-616-5594 or write to:

Office of Special Counsel for
Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices
Post Office Box 27728
Washington, D.C. 20038-7728
Email: osc.crt@usdoj.gov
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc

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