National Origin Discrimination Attorney El Paso, TX

National origin discrimination involves treating people (applicants or employees) unfavorably because they are from a particular country or part of the world, because of ethnicity or accent, or because they appear to be of a certain ethnic background (even if they are not).

National origin discrimination also can involve treating people unfavorably because they are married to (or associated with) a person of a certain national origin because of their connection with an ethnic organization or group.

Discrimination can occur when the victim and the person who inflicted the discrimination are of the same national origin.

Types of National Origin Discrimination in the Workplace

Everyone should be able to go into the workplace and not worry about facing discrimination based on where they were born. Unfortunately, however, it can still occur in some work environments. Here are the types of national origin discrimination that can happen:

• Discrimination Based on Citizenship: It is prohibited by law for companies to hire or fire people based on their citizenship or immigration status. Employers are legally prohibited to only hire candidates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• Harassment: Getting harassed at work for your natural origin is not something you should ever have to endure. It can make it very uncomfortable to go into the workplace every day. If your supervisor or coworkers are making derogatory comments about your national origin or accent, it can create a very hostile working environment. 

• Language Requirements: Employers are only permitted to create an English-only rule if it is necessary for the job. Language requirements are typically not permitted for lunch and break periods. Employers also can’t refuse to hire an applicant based on accent alone.

What to Do If You Are Being Discriminated Against for Your National Origin

If you believe you are being treated unfairly at work for your national origin, you do not have to stand for that type of treatment. You deserve to be treated with respect at work. Here are the steps you should take:

• File a Complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Before you can file a lawsuit, you must submit a complaint with the EEOC. They will look into your claim and determine if you have a valid reason to seek legal action. If they approve your claim, you will have the chance to file a lawsuit within 90 days.

• File a Discrimination Lawsuit: If you want to pursue a discrimination lawsuit, you should speak to an experienced national origin discrimination lawyer in El Paso, TX promptly. A discrimination lawsuit can involve a lt of complexities, and you do not want to handle it on your own. A skilled lawyer can help you fill out the paperwork accurately and guide you through the entire process. With a lawyer on your side, you are much more likely to obtain favorable results in the end.

If you are the victim of this type of discrimination, you should schedule a consultation with a reputable national origin discrimination lawyer in TX or NM at Davie & Valdez, P.C. as soon as possible. 

How National Origin Bias Affects The Workplace

When national or origin discrimination influences hiring, it often goes undetected. Job descriptions may include vague terms like “strong communication skills” or “cultural fit,” which can be interpreted in ways that exclude qualified applicants from different backgrounds. We’ve seen how a hiring manager’s unconscious preferences can lead to decisions based more on comfort than on capability. Candidates with foreign-sounding names, distinct accents, or international credentials are frequently overlooked, even when they meet or exceed all job qualifications.

The result is a less diverse workforce. When companies filter out applicants based on perceived differences rather than skill, they miss out on valuable perspectives and reduce their ability to serve diverse communities. This limits growth and sends an unspoken message about who is truly welcome at the table.

Everyday Interactions Influence Culture

Bias doesn’t stop once someone is hired. It often shows up in small, routine interactions that can make a big impact over time. Employees might be subjected to jokes, stereotypes, or offhand remarks that seem harmless to some but create discomfort and stress for others. These experiences, though often dismissed or ignored, are signs of deeper issues within the workplace culture.

When national or origin discrimination goes unchallenged, it can create a divide within teams. We’ve heard from employees who feel they have to change how they speak, avoid using their native language, or downplay aspects of their culture just to fit in. This kind of pressure stifles authenticity and hurts morale. For organizations trying to retain top talent, a lack of inclusion can quickly become a serious problem.

Promotion Decisions Are Affected

Bias also plays a role in who gets recognized, mentored, and promoted. Managers may feel more comfortable guiding employees who share similar backgrounds or communication styles. Meanwhile, equally skilled team members from different national origins may not receive the same encouragement or exposure to career-building opportunities.

This lack of equity has long-term consequences. It limits upward mobility and can contribute to a lack of representation in leadership. Over time, it reinforces the perception that only certain types of people are seen as leadership material. That perception doesn’t just affect individuals—it damages the organization’s reputation and ability to attract strong, diverse candidates.

Bias Can Lead To Legal Consequences

Employers are legally obligated to provide a work environment free from discrimination based on national origin. Yet, many companies unintentionally violate this requirement because their policies are outdated or inconsistently applied. Discriminatory actions—whether in hiring, discipline, or daily interactions—can result in formal complaints and lawsuits.

With over fifty years of combined legal experience, we’ve helped clients address national origin bias at every stage of the employment process. Our award-winning lawyers understand how these issues arise and how to approach them with clarity and fairness. Addressing bias isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a legal necessity.

Let’s Work Together To Build A Better Workplace

National or origin discrimination affects more than just a few employees, it can quietly influence the entire structure of a workplace. From hiring to team dynamics to leadership development, the impact is wide-reaching. By addressing it directly, companies create healthier environments and stronger outcomes.

Whether you’re a business leader looking to update your workplace policies or an employee who’s experienced unfair treatment, we’re ready to support you. At Davie & Valdez P.C., we take these matters seriously and work with clients to identify and address the patterns that hold people back. Contact us today for a free consultation and start building a workplace where every person, regardless of their national origin, has a fair opportunity to grow and succeed.