National Origin Discrimination

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) ensures that HHS-funded health care and human services providers follow federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on national origin. OCR conducts investigations to determine whether policies or practices have an unequal impact on the people of a certain national origin(s).

OCR will help make sure you are not denied or deterred from obtaining benefits on the basis of your national origin. If you request assistance, OCR will also provide technical assistance to your healthcare and human services providers.  

• HHS, HUD and DOJ Issue Letter to State/Local Agencies regarding Life and Safety Benefits for Immigrants – Issued by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
• OCR Guidance – Regarding Inquiries into Citizenship, Immigration Status and Social Security Numbers in State Applications for Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Food Stamp Benefits
• Selected OCR Activities – Summaries of Letters of Findings and Agreements and Technical Assistance Activities)
• Federal Resources – Documents, references from other HHS components and other federal Agencies

Read about Limited English Proficiency Discrimination.