JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN GRANTS FOR IMMIGRATION-RELATED EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Department of Justice today announced $675,000 in available grants for public education efforts regarding immigration-related employment discrimination. The Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC), a section of the 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). Eligible recipients include non-profit organizations as well as state and local government entities that work with potential victims of discrimination.

The INA prohibits discrimination 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. Finally, the INA prohibits retaliation against protected conduct under the INA.

Last year, OSC awarded nearly $675,000 to 11 organizations under its grant program. Grantees conduct education programs for employers, workers, service providers and members of the community. OSC provides speakers, outreach materials as well as other resources and guidance to the grantees. OSC similarly will make funds available this year.

The grant application deadline is May 7, 2004, 45 days after publication of the grant announcement in the Federal Register. For access to the grant announcement, please visit OSC’s web site at <http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc>.

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04-178