Claims of Discrimination Against Illinois-Based IT Recruiter Settled : Immigration Law Blog

On August 17, 2021, the Division of Justice (“DOJ”) introduced that it entered a settlement settlement with an Illinois-based IT staffing and recruiting firm – Ameritech World Inc. The settlement resolves the claims of discrimination towards U.S. staff.

Ameritech posted job commercials specifying its choice to rent candidates with non permanent work visas. It additionally failed to contemplate no less than three U.S. employee candidates who utilized to the marketed positions.

Claims of Discrimination

A U.S. citizen filed a discrimination criticism towards Ameritech with the Civil Rights Division. After its investigation, the DOJ concluded that Ameritech posted no less than three job commercials between August 1, 2019, and June 17, 2021, saying its choice to fill positions with non-U.S. residents with immigration statuses related to employment-based visas. In doing so, Ameritech harmed U.S. residents, U.S. nationals, latest lawful everlasting residents, asylees, and refugees. Ameritech unlawfully deterred many from making use of for the place and likewise failed to contemplate hiring those that nonetheless utilized for the roles.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) expressly prohibits employers from discrimination primarily based on citizenship standing in recruitment or hiring processes. “Employers who discourage and refuse to rent eligible job candidates primarily based on their citizenship or immigration standing should be held accountable,” acknowledged Legal professional Normal Kristen Clarke of the Justice Division’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will step in and vigorously implement the legislation to make sure that staff are shielded from such lawful discrimination.”

The Settlement

In keeping with the settlement reached, Ameritech can pay $10,000 in civil penalties. Ameritech can also be to revise its insurance policies and procedures, practice related workers and brokers on the INA’s anti-discrimination provision.

The Immigration and Worker Rights Part

The Division’s Immigrant and Worker Rights Part is chargeable for imposing the anti-discrimination provision of INA. Amongst many different issues, the INA prohibits employers from discriminating primarily based on citizenship standing or immigration standing, nationwide origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a charge. It additionally prohibits unfair documentary practices, retaliation, and intimidation.

To be taught extra about this weblog put up or when you have another immigration issues, please be at liberty to contact me at rglahoud@norris-law.com or (484) 544-0022.