Why 'Native English speakers only' is an act of covert racism

If you are a working professional, I am sure you have seen the phrase 'native English speakers only' in job advertisements. While it is considered a job requirement, I believe it is a form of covert racism. Allow me to explain.

The phrase means that employers are solely interested in candidates from countries where English is the first language. Those belonging to countries where English is not the first language do not qualify as eligible candidates.

This criterion is discrimination because many non-native speakers can and do master the English language just as well as, or even better than, native speakers. To deny someone an opportunity because they do not come from a preferred location is discrimination. And discrimination is a large part of both covert and overt racism. 

What do I know about these issues, you ask?  Well, I have been freelancing as a writer since 2014. Over the years, I have applied to many remote US and UK gigs. These were gigs for which I was perfectly eligible. But I was rejected because I was from India. After some Googling, I discovered that less experienced writers got most of these positions.

 I doubt I would get these jobs even if I were a Non Residential Indian based in, say, America. Because the criteria that native speakers are better candidates is a subconscious basis. And the underlying assumption of this bias is that they are white. 

This school of thought has not changed even in a post #BlackLivesMatter and #AsianLivesMatter world. The only difference is that today, white editors seem to be open to writers from all over the world. They often state that BIPOC people are strongly encouraged to apply. But in the end, owing to covert racism, they prefer writers of the same race as they are. 

Now I know some people will think that I am complaining about a non-issue. But here are the facts: most of us who learn English as a second language want to learn it well. We all know the importance of English as a global language, and we want to get it right. So we learn grammar rules, read the classics (many of which are problematic as they are a part of white supremacy culture), practice with friends, etc., on an ongoing basis. We even take tests like the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to prove our proficiency. These standardized tests are good enough to grant us admission to a range of graduate programs. Why then are they not good enough on our job applications? Plus, we are so meticulous that we never stop learning the ever-evolving English language. Despite proving our English language skills, we are discriminated against for not being white. 

When a non-native speaker can communicate clearly and effectively, how is it fair to exclude them because of where they come from and the color of their skin? 

So you see, this supposed job requirement is covert racism in action. It must end so that non-native writers, teachers, engineers, and anyone else who has ever faced language discrimination can get the job they seek. 

How have you dealt with the 'non-native speakers need not apply' rule? What can we do as a society to get rid of this racist gatekeeping measure? Please let me know in the comments section below.