There are several federal laws that employers have to follow when hiring employees. These hiring laws ban discrimination in employment decisions based on color, race, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status or disability. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor enforces laws affecting the hiring of veterans, certain foreign workers and employees under the age of 18. The Department of Labor also sets laws that ensure that federal contractors and grantees allow equal employment opportunity to employees and applicants.