Is This Discrimination? Denied Job Opportunity Based On Immigration Status
State: Virginia
What is the name of your state? Virginia
This is my first post here, so excuse my ignorance. I have a friend who is explicitly told by several employers that they cannot hire him because he has an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card and not a green card. This person is currently LEGALLY residing and working in the US. His current immigration status is at the AOS (Adjustment of Status) stage. This is when a person has applied for a green card, but the application is pending with USCIS. In the interim, the DHS issues something called a EAD card, which is valid for a year and can be renewed within 90 days as and when needed. An EAD card is valid for work for any employer in the US.
I have gathered some information about this from the following sources:
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc/htm/engperliwdiss.htm
http://www.klaskolaw.com/library/fil..._sanctions.pdf
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf
As per my understanding, this might be discriminatory on the employer's part to refuse to consider (interview) a candidate solely based on the fact that he/she has a EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card as opposed to a Green Card. The job opportunity does not have any restrictions such as security clearance. It is available to anybody who has a green card.
Please advise on this situation. Is it not illegal for an employer to reject a candidate for a job solely based on the fact that the potential employee will use an EAD card as opposed to a Green Card? Or is it perfectly legal for employers to make it their policy to not hire anybody who has a particular work authorization document (EAD in this case)?
Re: Is This Discrimination? Denied Job Opportunity Based On Immigration Status
I believe this probably is illegal discrimination. I would have the person contact the EEOC & see what they say/put in a complaint.
Re: Is This Discrimination? Denied Job Opportunity Based On Immigration Status
The EEO laws for which EEOC is responsible don't prohibit discrimination based on immigration status and the type of work authorization the individual holds.
See OP's other thread at http://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?t=400169.
Re: Is This Discrimination? Denied Job Opportunity Based On Immigration Status
Thanks mitousmom. You're right. The first thing I always think of when there is discrimination is the EEOC.