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8 Chapter 8: HIRING FOREIGN WORKERS

HIRING FOREIGN WORKERS

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The importance of Spanish language proficiency cannot be stressed enough, especially for businesses in the United States that are actively recruiting Spanish-speaking immigrants. During the hiring process, clear communication is crucial in addressing important aspects such as visas, job responsibilities, payments, health insurance, and more. By effectively communicating in Spanish, potential employees can fully understand the terms of their employment, which facilitates a smoother onboarding process. It is especially important when navigating the complexities of visa applications, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and understood. Discussing job duties, payment structures, and benefits in the language that employees are most comfortable with promotes transparency and helps to establish a positive work environment. Furthermore, discussing health insurance options and other essential benefits in Spanish ensures that employees can make informed decisions regarding their well-being. Overall, the ability to communicate in Spanish during the hiring process is integral to building trust, ensuring compliance, and promoting a harmonious workplace for Spanish-speaking immigrants across a range of industries.

What to Find in This Chapter: 

Introduction to “HIRING FOREIGN WORKERS” Chapter:

Vocabulary Activities:

  • Matching English terms with Spanish translations related to business and immigration.
  • Understanding the U.S. foreign worker hiring process through matching terms and real-life applications.

Communication Activities:

  • Role-play simulating a job interview for a cleaning service.
  • Role-play for remote call center training, emphasizing language proficiency.

Translation Challenge:

  • Translate a complaint letter and discuss the ethical and practical implications of immigrant work.
  • Discussion on translation challenges and the importance of accuracy in legal contexts.

Vocabulary Activities:

1. Vocabulary Matching Activity: Business and Immigration Terms

I am an employer E1. How do I hire a foreign national for short-term employment in the United States?

This customer guide provides a detailed overview of hiring foreign labor in the U.S., emphasizing the complexity of immigration laws and the need for specialist consultation. Employers facing a shortage of U.S. workers can file Form I-129 to initiate the process for nonimmigrant visa categories, including E, H, L, O, P, Q, R, and TN visas. The guide outlines post-filing procedures, such as receipt issuance, potential evidence requests, and the option for expedited processing. It also covers the duration of stay, extensions, and portability for employees under different visa classifications. The guide highlights employer responsibilities, including compliance with immigration laws and liabilities in termination cases. Employers are directed to USCIS’s website or customer service for specific visa details and processes. The guide concludes by referencing other government services and resources for additional assistance.

Instructions:

Match each term in English with its corresponding Spanish translation. Be sure to consider the context and specific meanings within the context of professional and immigration.

U.S. law Visa basada en empleo
Government regulations Trabajador no inmigrante
Form I-129 Certificación temporal de empleo
Nonimmigrant Worker Servicio de procesamiento rápido
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) Certificación laboral
Immigration law Estatus de residente permanente
Foreign labor E-2 (Inversionistas bajo tratado)
Employment-based visa P-3 (Extranjeros que actúan, enseñan o entrenan bajo un programa culturalmente único)
Labor Condition Application Traslados intraempresariales – ejecutivos, gerentes
Temporary Employment Certification Trabajadores temporales
Nonimmigrant visa categories Certificación laboral
E-1 (Treaty traders) Termination del empleo
E-2 (Treaty investors) P-1 (Atletas o artistas internacionalmente reconocidos)
E-3 (Australian specialty occupation workers) J-1 (Ciertos visitantes de intercambio)
H-1B (Specialty occupations) P-4 (Personal esencial de apoyo para P-1, P-2 y P-3)
H-1B1 (Specialty occupations for Singapore and Chile nationals) E-3 (Trabajadores especializados australianos)
H-2A (Temporary agricultural workers) H-2B (Trabajadores temporales)
H-2B (Temporary workers) Formulario I-129
H-3 (Trainees or special education exchange visitors) Transporte de regreso
I (Representatives of information media) H-1B (Ocupaciones especializadas)
J-1 (Certain exchange visitors) I (Representantes de medios de información)
L-1A (Intra-company transferees – executives, managers) R-1 (Trabajadores religiosos)
L-1B (Intra-company transferees – employees with specialized knowledge) H-1B1 (Ocupaciones especializadas para ciudadanos de Singapur y Chile)
O-1 (Foreign nationals with extraordinary ability) TN (Profesionales canadienses o mexicanos bajo el TLCAN)
O-2 (Essential support personnel for O-1) P-2 (Artistas o artistas bajo un programa de intercambio recíproco)
P-1 (Internationally recognized athletes or entertainers) H-3 (Aprendices o visitantes de intercambio de educación especial)
P-2 (Artists or entertainers under a reciprocal exchange program) Formulario I-94
P-3 (Foreign nationals who perform, teach, or coach under a culturally unique program) Tiempos de procesamiento
P-4 (Essential support personnel for P-1, P-2, and P-3) E-1 (Comerciantes bajo tratado)
Q-1 (International cultural exchange visitors) O-2 (Personal esencial de apoyo para O-1)
R-1 (Religious workers) O-1 (Extranjeros con habilidades extraordinarias)
TN (Canadian or Mexican professionals under NAFTA) Trabajadores temporales agrícolas
Labor Certification Formulario I-9 (Verificación de elegibilidad de empleo)
Premium Processing Service E-1 (Comerciantes bajo tratado)
Processing times U.S. Department of State
Form I-94 Labor Certification
Period of stay Jointly and severally liable
Extension of stay Q-1 (Visitantes de intercambio cultural internacional)
H-1B portability H-1B portability
Termination of employment H-2A (Trabajadores temporales agrícolas)
Return transportation Nonimmigrant Worker
Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) Blanket petition
Permanent resident status H-1B portability
Immigrant visa petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Blanket petition Formulario I-129-S
Labor Certification Permanent resident status
Jointly and severally liable U.S. law
Form I-129-S (Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition) Government regulations
U.S. Department of State Immigration law
U.S. Department of Labor Periodo de estadía

2. Vocabulary Activity Instructions: Understanding U.S. Foreign Worker Hiring Process

Vocabulary Activity Instructions: Understanding U.S. Foreign Worker Hiring Process

Objective: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. foreign worker hiring process by matching English terms with their Spanish counterparts.

  1. Preparation:
    • Your task is to work with a list of English terms related to the hiring process for foreign workers in the U.S..
    • The terms will be presented to you in a random order.
  2. Activity Steps:
    • Independently research and match each English term with its corresponding Spanish translation.
    • Utilize online resources or dictionaries to ensure accurate translations.
    • Pay attention to the context in which each term is used to enhance understanding.
  3. Discussion:
    • Participate in a class discussion to review the correct matches.
    • Share any challenges you faced during the activity and seek clarification on any doubts.
  4. Real-life Application:
    • Discuss with your peers how these terms relate to the practical process of hiring foreign workers in the U.S.
    • Explore hypothetical scenarios where these terms might be used in real-world situations.
  5. Presentation:
    • Prepare to present a summary of the U.S. foreign worker hiring process using the terms you’ve learned in English and Spanish.
    • Discuss the significance of understanding these terms for businesses and employers.
  6. Reflection:
    • Reflect on the importance of accurate terminology in cross-cultural professional communication.
    • Discuss how misconceptions or misinterpretations of terms can impact the hiring process.

This activity is designed to reinforce your vocabulary while fostering a deeper comprehension of the intricate process of hiring foreign workers in the U.S. It encourages critical thinking and applying knowledge in real-world contexts.

 

 


2. Communication activities:

1. Cleaning Service Job Interview Role-Play

Participants:

  • Student One: The Manager (English speaker)
  • Student Two: The Future Employee (Spanish speaker)
  • Student Three: The Bilingual Employee (English and Spanish speaker)

Scenario: Student One, the Manager, is conducting a job interview to hire a new employee for their cleaning service business. However, the prospective employee, Student Two, only speaks Spanish. To facilitate communication, Student Three is present as a bilingual employee to translate between English and Spanish.

Role-Play Script:

Manager: (Speaking in English) Hello and welcome. Thank you for coming in for the interview. My name is [Manager’s Name]. Let’s start by discussing the job responsibilities.

Translator: (In Spanish) Hola y bienvenido/a. Gracias por venir a la entrevista. Mi nombre es [Translator’s Name]. Vamos a empezar por hablar de las responsabilidades del trabajo.

Future Employee: (In Spanish) Hola, gracias por la oportunidad. Estoy emocionado/a de aprender más sobre el trabajo.

Translator: (In English) The future employee says, “Hello, thank you for the opportunity. I’m excited to learn more about the job.”

Manager: (In English) Great to hear. The main duties would include cleaning various areas such as offices, restrooms, and common areas. Can you handle those tasks?

Translator: (In Spanish) Las principales responsabilidades incluirían limpiar varias áreas como oficinas, baños y zonas comunes. ¿Puedes encargarte de esas tareas?

Future Employee: (In Spanish) Sí, puedo hacerlo. Tengo experiencia en limpieza.

Translator: (In English) Yes, I can do it. I have experience in cleaning.

Manager: (In English) Excellent. Now, let’s discuss the hours and compensation. The position is for 20 hours per week, and we offer competitive pay along with some benefits.

Translator: (In Spanish) Excelente. Ahora, vamos a hablar sobre las horas y la compensación. El puesto es para 20 horas a la semana y ofrecemos un salario competitivo junto con algunos beneficios.

Future Employee: (In Spanish) ¿Cuál sería el salario?

Translator: (In English) What would be the salary?

Manager: (In English) The salary starts at $15 per hour, with opportunities for raises based on performance.

Translator: (In Spanish) El salario comienza en $15 por hora, con oportunidades de aumentos basados en el desempeño.

Future Employee: (In Spanish) Eso suena bien para mí.

Translator: (In English) That sounds good to me.

Manager: (In English) Perfect. Now, let’s talk about the cleaning supplies. We provide all the necessary equipment and supplies for the job.

Translator: (In Spanish) Perfecto. Ahora, hablemos sobre los suministros de limpieza. Proporcionamos todo el equipo y suministros necesarios para el trabajo.

Future Employee: (In Spanish) ¿Hay algún entrenamiento inicial?

Translator: (In English) Is there any initial training?

Manager: (In English) Yes, we will provide training on the proper use of equipment and cleaning techniques.

Translator: (In Spanish) Sí, proporcionaremos entrenamiento sobre el uso adecuado del equipo y técnicas de limpieza.

Future Employee: (In Spanish) Estoy listo/a para empezar.

Translator: (In English) I’m ready to start.

Manager: (In English) Wonderful! We’re excited to have you join our team. We’ll get everything set up for your first day.

Translator: (In Spanish) ¡Maravilloso! Estamos emocionados de que te unas a nuestro equipo. Prepararemos todo para tu primer día.

Future Employee: (In Spanish) Muchas gracias. ¡Estoy emocionado/a de comenzar a trabajar!

Translator: (In English) Thank you very much. I’m excited to start working!

Manager: (In English) Thank you both. We’ll be in touch soon with the details for your first day.

Translator: (In Spanish) Gracias a ambos. Estaremos en contacto pronto con los detalles para tu primer día.

Role-Play Ends

This role-play allows students to practice communication skills in a multilingual environment while simulating a realistic job interview scenario. It encourages cooperation and understanding between individuals who speak different languages.

 

2. Remote Call Center Training Role-Play

Participants:

  • Student One: The Trainer (English speaker)
  • Student Two: The Newly Hired Employee (Spanish speaker)
  • Student Three: The Bilingual Support (English and Spanish speaker)

Scenario: Student One, the Trainer, needs to conduct a training session for a newly hired employee, Student Two, who will be working remotely in Colombia for an insurance company’s call center. Since the employee only speaks Spanish, Student Three, the Bilingual Support, is present to translate between English and Spanish during the training session.

Role-Play Script:

Trainer: (Speaking in English) Hello, and welcome to the training session. My name is [Trainer’s Name]. Today, we’ll go over the procedures and guidelines for working in our call center.

Bilingual Support: (In Spanish) Hola y bienvenido/a a la sesión de entrenamiento. Mi nombre es [Bilingual Support’s Name]. Hoy, repasaremos los procedimientos y pautas para trabajar en nuestro centro de llamadas.

Newly Hired Employee: (In Spanish) Hola, gracias por la oportunidad. Estoy emocionado/a de empezar a trabajar.

Bilingual Support: (In English) The newly hired employee says, “Hello, thank you for the opportunity. I’m excited to start working.”

Trainer: (In English) Great to hear. Let’s start by discussing your responsibilities as a customer service representative.

Bilingual Support: (In Spanish) Comencemos por hablar de tus responsabilidades como representante de servicio al cliente.

Newly Hired Employee: (In Spanish) Entendido.

Bilingual Support: (In English) Understood.

Trainer: (In English) Your main duties will include answering calls from clients, addressing their inquiries, and providing assistance with insurance-related matters.

Bilingual Support: (In Spanish) Tus principales responsabilidades incluirán contestar llamadas de clientes, atender sus consultas y brindar asistencia en temas relacionados con seguros.

Newly Hired Employee: (In Spanish) ¿Habrá algún entrenamiento adicional sobre los productos y servicios de la compañía?

Bilingual Support: (In English) Will there be any additional training on the company’s products and services?

Trainer: (In English) Yes, we will provide comprehensive training on all our products and services, including simulated call scenarios to practice.

Bilingual Support: (In Spanish) Sí, proporcionaremos un entrenamiento completo sobre todos nuestros productos y servicios, incluyendo escenarios de llamadas simuladas para practicar.

Newly Hired Employee: (In Spanish) Perfecto, eso me ayudará a sentirme más preparado/a.

Bilingual Support: (In English) Perfect, that will help me feel more prepared.

Trainer: (In English) Excellent. Now, let’s discuss the procedures for logging calls and documenting customer interactions.

Bilingual Support: (In Spanish) Excelente. Ahora, hablemos sobre los procedimientos para registrar llamadas y documentar las interacciones con los clientes.

Newly Hired Employee: (In Spanish) ¿Cuál es el protocolo si un cliente tiene un problema complicado que no puedo resolver de inmediato?

Bilingual Support: (In English) What is the protocol if a customer has a complicated issue that I can’t resolve immediately?

Trainer: (In English) In such cases, escalate the issue to a supervisor or a more experienced colleague for further assistance.

Bilingual Support: (In Spanish) En esos casos, escala el problema a un supervisor o a un colega más experimentado para obtener más ayuda.

Newly Hired Employee: (In Spanish) Entendido, gracias por la información.

Bilingual Support: (In English) Understood, thank you for the information.

Trainer: (In English) Thank you both for your participation. We’ll have follow-up sessions to ensure you’re fully prepared for your role.

Bilingual Support: (In Spanish) Gracias a ambos por su participación. Tendremos sesiones de seguimiento para asegurarnos de que estén completamente preparados/as para su rol.

Role-Play Ends

This role-play allows students to practice communication skills in a remote work setting. It highlights the importance of language proficiency in customer service roles, especially in a call center environment where effective communication is crucial.

 


3. Translation Challenge

1. Analyzing a Complaint Letter

Translating and Objective:

  • Translate a complaint letter from Spanish to English.
  • Analyze the ethical and practical implications of working as an immigrant in the US.
  1. Translate the provided English paragraph into Spanish.

Espero que este mensaje le encuentre bien. Me dirijo a usted con respecto a algunas preocupaciones que he tenido últimamente en relación con las condiciones de trabajo en nuestra empresa de jardinería.

En primer lugar, me gustaría señalar que hasta el momento no se me han proporcionado los implementos de protección necesarios para realizar mis labores de manera segura y eficiente. Como bien sabe, el trabajo en el campo de la jardinería implica estar expuesto/a a diversos riesgos, como cortes, quemaduras solares y la inhalación de productos químicos. Sin embargo, a pesar de haber solicitado en reiteradas ocasiones el equipo de protección adecuado, aún no he recibido una respuesta satisfactoria al respecto. Esto me preocupa enormemente, ya que mi seguridad y bienestar son de suma importancia para mí.

Además, me gustaría abordar el tema del tiempo asignado para el almuerzo durante nuestras jornadas laborales. He notado que, en varias ocasiones, no se me ha otorgado el tiempo adecuado para tomar mi almuerzo y descansar adecuadamente. Esto no solo afecta mi rendimiento laboral, sino también mi salud y bienestar general. Creo firmemente que es fundamental que todos los empleados tengan la oportunidad de tomar un descanso adecuado para recargar energías y mantenerse saludables durante la jornada laboral.

Por último, me gustaría mencionar que he observado discrepancias en el registro del tiempo que estoy trabajando. A pesar de cumplir con mis horas laborales de manera puntual y dedicada, he notado que en algunos casos no se están contabilizando correctamente las horas que estoy trabajando. Esto no solo afecta mi compensación económica, sino también mi confianza en el sistema de gestión de tiempo de la empresa.

En resumen, me gustaría solicitar una pronta atención a estas preocupaciones para garantizar un ambiente de trabajo seguro, justo y respetuoso para todos los empleados. Estoy dispuesto/a a colaborar en la búsqueda de soluciones y aportar ideas que contribuyan a mejorar nuestras condiciones laborales.

Quedo a la espera de su pronta respuesta y acción sobre este asunto.

2 Discussion on Translation:

  1. After the translation exercise, we will discuss the challenges encountered during the translation process.
  2. Be prepared to share any difficulties you faced and how you addressed them.
  3. We will clarify any linguistic nuances or cultural differences between the two languages.

3. Analysis of Ethical and Practical Implications:

  1. Discuss the ethical and practical implications of the issues raised in your assigned section, considering the perspective of an immigrant worker in the US.
  2. Focus on workplace safety, fair treatment, and legal rights.

2.  Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

  1. Translate the provided English paragraph into Spanish.

In today’s globalized world, diversity and inclusion have become essential components of fostering a thriving and innovative organizational culture. When hiring and working with immigrant employees, it’s crucial to approach the process with empathy, respect, and inclusivity in mind.

To begin with, organizations should actively seek out diverse talent pools that include immigrant individuals. This can be accomplished by partnering with community organizations, attending job fairs targeting immigrants, and utilizing online platforms that connect employers with diverse candidates.

Once hired, immigrant employees should receive comprehensive onboarding and cultural assimilation programs to help them integrate smoothly into the workplace. This includes language training if necessary and cultural sensitivity workshops to foster understanding and respect among colleagues.

Moreover, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment is crucial for immigrant employees to thrive. This involves promoting open communication, celebrating cultural diversity through events and initiatives, and offering opportunities for career advancement based on merit rather than nationality or background.

In addition, organizations should ensure that their policies and practices are inclusive and accommodating to the needs of immigrant employees. This may include offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate cultural or religious observances, providing access to translation services, and offering resources for navigating immigration-related challenges.

Overall, embracing diversity and inclusion in hiring and working with immigrant employees enriches the organizational culture and leads to increased innovation, creativity, and success for the company. By prioritizing these values, organizations can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Discussing Translation Challenges

  1. Translation Difficulties Discussion: In pairs or small groups, discuss the challenges you encountered while translating the paragraph. Consider intricacies related to legal terms, cultural concepts, and maintaining the original meaning.
  2. Comparison and Analysis:
    • Classmate 1: Review their translation and identify any differences or similarities compared to your own. Note any distinct phrasing or choices they made.
    • Classmate 2: Analyze their translation and pinpoint any variations in wording, tone, or structure compared to your translation.
    • Classmate 3: Evaluate their translation, focusing on differences or similarities in conveying the original paragraph’s nuances and meaning.
    • Classmate 4: Examine their translation, highlighting any unique approaches or word choices that deviate from your version.

3.  Sharing Insights

  1. Group Discussion: Come together as a class and share your observations from comparing the translations. Discuss the intricacies of translating legal and technical terms, adapting cultural context, and maintaining clarity.
  2. Reflection and Feedback: Reflect on the challenges of translating legal and bureaucratic language. Discuss the importance of conveying accurate information while ensuring the text remains comprehensible for the target audience.

 

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