Which act prohibits discrimination against job applicants on the basis of national origin or citizenship and establishes penalties for hiring undocumented workers?

• A. Immigration Reform and Control Act
• B. Pregnancy Discrimination Act
• C. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
• D. Equal Pay Act

Answer: (A)

This item tests knowledge of a federal employment law that links hiring practices to work authorization and protects applicants from discrimination based on national origin or citizenship. The Immigration Reform and Control Act prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants because of their national origin or citizenship status and requires verification of employment eligibility, typically through Form I-9, to prevent hiring undocumented workers. It also imposes penalties on employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers, which is why this law fits the scenario described in the question. The other acts address different protections: the Pregnancy Discrimination Act focuses on pregnancy-related discrimination; the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects service members’ job rights; and the Equal Pay Act concerns pay equality between men and women.