Feds Pledge to Extend Employment Protections to Undocumented Immigrants
Immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants who are in this country illegally, very often find themselves holding the short end of the stick as far as employment protections are concerned. Their undocumented status very often comes in the way of them being able to protect themselves against employment violations. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently pledged that the agency would protect immigrant workers, including undocumented workers who are in this country illegally.
That pledge came as part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry. As part of the Memorandum of Understanding, the two countries stated that the memorandum’s purpose would be to establish a collaborative relationship that is targeted at helping Mexican nationals in the United States arm themselves with the guidance, information and other tools that they need to help exercise their workplace rights. That includes more access to education, and training resources.
The Commission is concerned about workplace violence against undocumented immigrants, and exploitation. The memorandum will also help eradicate and eliminate violations against undocumented immigrants. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is not concerned with the immigration status of a worker who comes to the agency complaining about mistreatment, discrimination or harassment. The federal agency is not interested in asking you for your documentation status. Immigrant workers, who have been treated unfairly, or are currently being targeted for exploitation, discrimination and harassment can get in touch with the agency to protect their rights.
Considering how volatile the immigration question is, especially the rights of undocumented immigrants, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission needs to be commended for actually tackling the widespread violations of the freedoms of undocumented immigrant workers in this country.
