Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) prohibit discrimination on the basis of national origin. IRCA also prohibits discrimination on the basis of citizenship. Under Title VII, it is unlawful for an employer to take adverse action against an applicant or employee on the basis of the individual’s place of birth, cultural heritage, accent, or native language. Harassment based on an individual's national origin is also prohibited. Employers must take steps to ensure that this type of discrimination does not occur in the workplace and must respond immediately and effectively if it should occur. English-only policies are acceptable if instituted in compliance with the law.