Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) is spearheading an investigation into President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged favoritism towards foreign workers in employment discrimination cases over American citizens. Vance, along with Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), sent a letter to DOJ officials expressing concerns about the department’s focus on cases where foreign workers are the alleged victims, while cases involving American citizens as victims have decreased since Biden took office in 2021.
The senators highlighted the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which prohibits discrimination against U.S. citizens in employment and emphasizes the preference for hiring American workers. They raised issues about the DOJ’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) sending press releases predominantly focused on foreign worker discrimination cases, leading to a disparity in resources allocated to protecting American workers.
Furthermore, the senators criticized the termination of the Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative under the Biden administration and raised concerns about employers taking advantage of leniency in hiring practices. They noted instances of companies like Starbucks, Amazon, Hyatt Hotels, PepsiCo, Pfizer, and Tyson Foods making commitments to hire refugees or provide exclusive benefits to noncitizens, potentially discriminating against American job seekers.
In response, the senators requested records from the DOJ on investigations related to employers hiring refugees over Americans, as well as details on employment discrimination cases involving only American citizens. They also sought clarity on the legality of providing employment benefits solely to foreign workers.
Vance has been vocal about the perceived favoritism towards foreign workers under the Biden administration, previously raising concerns about DOJ lawsuits targeting American companies for allegedly discriminatory hiring practices. The ongoing probe led by Vance and his fellow senators aims to address these issues and ensure fairness in employment practices.
