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Immigrant Rights

Check out our latest report: "Fair Housing For All: The Disaparate Response to Latino Housing in Frederick County, MD"

Our nation was founded by immigrants and, since our founding; immigrants have played an integral role in the development of the United States. Yet despite this rich history, discrimination against and harassment of individuals based on their national origin has not subsided.

In an effort to address this discrimination, the ERC focuses on outreach to various immigrant communities and develops efficient and effective means to bridge gaps among groups. By identifying and advancing civil rights for immigrant communities – in housing, employment, public accommodations, government services – the ERC has become a trusted voice for immigrants.

Investigation Finds Adverse Treatment of Latinos in 55% of Rental Housing Inquiries

The Equal Rights Center and Drinker Biddler & Reath LLP have released a testing-based report revealing that Latinos seeking rental housing across the Commonwealth of Virginia experienced at least one form of adverse treatment as compared to their white counterparts in 55 percent of inquiries. The report, Precaución: Obstacles for Latinos in the Virginia Rental Housing Market, is based on a series of 106 tests.

Click here to download a copy of the report.

Click here to download an accessible version of the report.

National Origin and Religion Fair Housing Toolkit

This ERC self-advocacy toolkit is specifically designed to assist people who may experience discrimination based on their race, national origin, or religion, and will help them assert their rights under the Fair Housing Act.

Fair Housing for All: The Disparate Response to Latino Housing in Frederick County, MD, 2010

ERC’s 2009 housing discrimination investigations in Frederick County found that 79 percent Latinos seeking housing were subjected to discriminatory treatment—as evidenced by the imposition of different, more adverse terms and conditions on potential Latino tenants when compared to their white counterparts.

Equal Rights Center Announces New Immigrant Rights Program Manager

The Equal Rights Center announced the promotion of Stephanie Gonzalez to be the organization’s Immigrant Rights Program Manager. “I have been continually inspired by the work the ERC is doing in immigrant communities. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the ERC’s immigrant rights work to raise awareness and make a difference in lives of diverse immigrant communities across the country,” said Gonzalez.

Report on Latino Access to Health Care, 2003

The ERC investigated access that Spanish-speaking residents have to health care in Washington, D.C. The investigation uncovered significant differences in overall treatment, such as 20% of the time the Spanish-speaking tester did not receive services in the appropriate language, and Spanish-speaking testers waited an average of one hour and 53 minutes longer before receiving services.

Limited English Proficiency and Fair Housing Initiative

The ERC has numerous resources for individuals with limited or no English proficiency (LEP/NEP). Under the D.C. Language Access Act, D.C. agencies, departments and programs are required to provide information and services in the languages most commonly spoken in the area. Federal agencies, and organizations that receive federal funds, are required to ensure that people with LEP/NEP have meaningful access to their services, in order to comply with Title VI of the U.S. Civil Rights Act. For more information download the Language Access PDF here.”

For Civil Minds- the ERC's blog

Read the ERC's blog to learn more about a variety of civil rights issues. The blog is updated frequently so remember to keep checking back for new stories and topics!

"Know Your Rights" Immigrant Rights Handbook

“Conozca Sus Derechos” Manual Sobre los Derechos del Inmigrante

Learn more about how civil rights laws protect ALL people from illegal discrimination, regardless of their immigration status.

Download our Immigrant Rights Brochure.

Learn more about your rights and what the ERC can do to help. This brochure is available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

10 Harmful Misconceptions About Immigration

Get the honest truth. This ERC report breaks down the political slants surrounding immigration and addresses issues ranging from the economic impact of immigrants, criminality and healthcare, and proposed solutions, to provide concise and reliable information for use in that debate.