A 34-year-old Latino immigrant has filed a lawsuit claiming that he was discriminated against in a job questionnaire. This comes after the Governor of California enacted an immigration reform that permits unregistered immigrants to obtain certain licenses and other benefits. However, one of the questions asked on a job form is now under fire amid claims that it is discriminatory against Latinos.
The man obtained a Social Security number at the age of 15 for work-related purposes. However, he eventually discovered that the number did not belong to him and he wasn’t even a registered resident. He contacted the IRS and was able to become legal by obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number and by 2010, he was officially a United States citizen. The man applied to become a correctional officer and was able to pass written and physical tests more than once, but he was rejected.
Reportedly, there is a question on the job application that inquires if an individual utilized another Social Security number. Due to the man’s previous circumstances, he answered yes and he was denied the job. Officials stated that he did not display the actions of an honest correctional officer. However, the man’s attorney believes that the question is meant to ban a certain group of people, particularly Latinos.
California immigrants may be entitled to take legal action if their rights have been violated by a potential employer. Thorough documentation of the incidents and the right support can help individuals recover damages. The Governor may also look more into the immigration law to ensure immigrant’s legal rights.
Source: fresnobee.com, The State Worker: Lawsuit raises question for California immigration reform, Jon Ortiz, Dec. 12, 2013
