Sheriff Department’s Refusal to Hire Non-citizens Results in Fine by US Government
RT, November 22, 2016
From January to March 2015, the police department, which is the largest sheriff department in Colorado, went on a recruitment drive, hiring more than 200 deputies to the team, but only US citizens were able to apply, which the DOJ ruled as unlawful.
“We commend the Denver Sheriff Department for its cooperation and commitment to removing unnecessary and unlawful employment barriers,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta said.
“Eliminating this unlawful citizenship requirement will help ensure that the Denver Sheriff Department hires the best and most qualified individuals to protect and serve. The entire community will benefit from these reforms.”
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship, immigration status and national origin cannot be used in discriminating against individuals in relation to hiring, firing or recruitment.
All employers are obliged to equally treat those who are non-citizens but have valid work permits, unless state, local or federal law specifically requires certain jobs to only be open to US citizens.