The Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC), which is part of the U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, published a Request for Proposals (RFP) in the Federal Register on Feb. 7, 2005 (70 FR 6037).  The RFP announces the availability of funds for public education efforts regarding employees’ rights and employers’ obligations under the antidiscrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  According to a press release issued by the OSC (available at www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc/pdf/05_crt_049.pdf), this RFP pertains to funding for the 2004 grant program.  The 2004–05 grantee program was temporarily suspended in the fall of last year. 

The INA prohibits discrimination on the basis of citizenship status or national origin in hiring, firing and recruiting or referring for a fee.  In addition, the antidiscrimination provision prohibits employers from requiring specific or more documents than are required by the employment eligibility verification process.  The INA also prohibits retaliation against protected conduct under the INA.

A much broader group of potential grantees can apply for funding under this RFP than could apply under previous ones.  The RFP notice states that “OSC welcomes proposals from diverse public service groups, organizations or associations providing information services to employers and/or potential victims of discrimination, and Faith-Based organizations, non-profit groups providing services and assistance to potential victims of discrimination.”  In the past, applicants could be from ethnic and immigrants’ rights coalitions, labor unions and trade associations, industry groups or professional organizations, or other nonprofit entities, including government agencies. 

According to the RFP, grant applicants must demonstrate the ability to use media to educate employers and/or employees in the public and private sectors, as well as agencies providing services to potential victims of discrimination.

The deadline to apply for an OSC grant is Mar. 21, 2005.  Application forms may be obtained by writing or calling the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20530; tel. 202-616-5594 (TDD for the hearing impaired: 202-616-5525).  Required forms are also available at the OSC’s website, www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc.  For more information about the OSC’s grant process, contact Lilia Irizarry at the telephone numbers listed above.

By Marielena Hincapié, NILC director of programs