Can a job posting require 'U.S. citizens only'?
'U.S. citizens only' is usually unlawful. You can require work authorization, but you generally cannot limit a role to citizens unless a specific law or contract requires it.
The Immigration and Nationality Act's anti-discrimination rules bar most employers from preferring U.S. citizens over other work-authorized people. 'Citizens only' postings are a common and costly mistake.
What you can almost always require is that the person is legally authorized to work in the U.S. Narrow citizenship requirements exist only where a law, regulation, or government contract mandates them.
Risky phrasing
“This position is open to U.S. citizens only.”
Compliant rewrite
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
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