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 refuse to hire, discharge, harass, or take action affecting an employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of an individual’s place of birth, cultural heritage, accent, or native language. 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.