Cookie Company Sued for Immigration Discrimination

Employment news reports that a national cookie company has agreed to settle an immigration related discrimination claim.

The Department of Justice set forth that the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), prohibits several discriminatory actions such as: “1) citizenship status discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, 2) national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, 3) unfair documentary practices during the employment eligibility verification, Form I-9 and E-Verify, and 4) retaliation or intimidation.”

In this instance, a claim was filed against the cookie company asserting the company illegally demanded citizenship and documentation papers from permanent residents to show that they were legally entitled to work in the United States. U.S. citizens were not required to show the same information.

A settlement was reached in this matter, and the company has agreed to work with staff to educate them concerning the anti-discriminatory provisions of the INA.

Anti-immigration sentiment has grown during the last few years, with heightened inflammatory rhetoric. It is important during this time to remember that many anti-discrimination employment laws protect non-citizens’ right to work. This includes federal laws such as the INA and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

If you believe you have faced discrimination due to your immigration status, or any other type of employment discrimination, please contact the experienced Atlanta employment discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.