Since Congress has been unwilling to take up comprehensive immigration reform, the Obama administration instituted a deferred action program that grants temporary legal status to foreign-born individuals who entered the U.S. illegally as children and have remained here as contributing members of society. The deferred action order also allows those who qualify to obtain employment authorization. This means that thousands of people who previously worked sub rosa are now able to assert employee rights under state and federal law.
Employers cannot hire those who do not have authorization to work in the United States. But once a person has a valid Form I-9 indicating work authorization, it is unlawful for an employer to consider that person’s immigration status or national origin in making hiring decisions or setting the terms and conditions of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 prohibits employers from considering citizenship or immigration status so long as the applicant has work authorization.
Those who are entering the legal workforce under the deferred action program should be aware of several facts:
- Employers cannot require you to show additional proof of employment authorization beyond your I-9.
- An employer cannot refuse to hire you because of a foreign accent so long as it does not seriously interfere with job performance.
- An employer cannot institute an English-only language requirement unless it is necessary for workplace safety.
- An employer can require English fluency as a condition of employment only if it is necessary to performance of the position’s essential functions.
If you have recently joined the workforce under deferred action and have experienced any type of discrimination based on your national origin or citizenship status, an employment discrimination attorney may be able to help.
Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…
Bruce L. Atkins is the senior managing partner at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt P.C., a prominent plaintiff employment law firm in the tri-state area. Mr. Atkins believes employees’ rights should be aggressively pursued when they’ve been wrongfully dealt with by their employers. He brings this philosophy to his practice when considering each case and its…
Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015. He primarily represents individuals in employment litigation such as discrimination, retaliation and whistle blowing matters. He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in a sexual…
Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…
Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…
