Many countries' non-discrimination laws contain exceptions for nationality and immigration status.
In this Convention, the term "racial discrimination" shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.
[4][5] Some international investment agreements also prohibit discrimination based on the nationality of the investor.
[11] According to Thomas Spijkerboer, "at face value, migration law is also a form of racial discrimination" under the CERD.
[13] One study found that foreign NBA players were paid less than United States nationals of equivalent performance between the 1999-2000 and 2007–2008 seasons.