DOJ Warns Travel Agents Not to Discriminate Against Immigrants when Hiring

ASTA is alerting travel agents of an advisory from the Department of Justice (DOJ), warning agents of potential liabilities when hiring immigrants. “The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice is advising travel agencies to abide by the anti-discrimination provisions of U.S. immigration laws," ASTA said in a statement. "Travel agency owners should be aware that they not only have an obligation to obey federal immigration law by hiring only authorized workers but that they are also required to not discriminate when hiring or firing lawfully admitted immigrant workers.”

“Employers who violate the law by discriminating or retaliating against workers could be held liable for a full range of civil penalties," ASTA said. "These consequences include compulsory a hiring or re-hiring of the worker, payment of back wages, or a mandatory implementation of new internal policies designed to avoid further discrimination. Employers also may become liable for monetary fines or the workers' legal fees.”

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