What happened?

On February 19, 2025, Acting EEOC Chair Andrea R. Lucas announced a new enforcement focus targeting employers and staffing agencies that illegally prefer non-American workers.

Overview:

The EEOC is committed to protecting American workers and ensuring fair employment practices across all industries. This initiative aims to enforce Title VII’s national origin protections more rigorously.

The announcement emphasized the following:

• Partnerships: The EEOC will collaborate with the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Labor to enhance investigations and enforcement.

• Enforcement Efforts: The EEOC will investigate complaints, conduct outreach and education, and take legal action to ensure compliance with federal employment laws.

• Goals: The initiative seeks to deter illegal migration, reduce abuse of legal immigration programs, and protect American workers from national origin discrimination.

• Scope: The enforcement focus includes non-American employees authorized to work in the U.S., such as visa holders and legal immigrants.

• Prohibited Practices:
  • Favoring foreign workers due to lower labor costs.
  • Exploiting workers’ lack of knowledge or access to wage and hour protections.
  • Complying with client preferences for non-American workers.
  • Holding biased perceptions that non-American employees are more productive.

Source References

• EEOC Press Release – Acting Chair Vows to Protect American Workers from Anti-American Bias

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