Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Oregon

You would have a good case of discrimination on the basis of nationality. The problem will be proving it. Do you have anything in writing from the bank stating that you fully qualify for the loan? If not, you should write a letter or email to the bank person you are dealing with and restate the situation: "You told us that we fully qualified for this loan but that the bank is denying it because our last name is Singh. We find this unbelievable. Please confirm that this is the reason. If so, we ask for reconsideration." See if the bank person tries to deny that your name is the problem.

Even if you have no written proof, you can sue the bank for discrimination on the basis of nationality, although you would have to prove to a jury that the loan was turned down because of your nationality. This would involve research to determine whether the bank routinely grants loans to others in your circumstances.

I do not handle cases like this, but the law firm of Kafoury McDougal in Portland does. You can reach them at 503-224-2647 or [email protected]. They provide an initial consultation visit for you at no charge, and they usually take cases on a "contingency" basis, which means that you do not have to pay them, unless they succeed in obtaining money for you from the entity that harmed you.