In a statement, the Justice Department noted that Apple violated federal law by not recruiting U.S. citizens or permanent residents for jobs eligible for a federal program that permits employers to sponsor immigrant workers for green cards. This action constitutes discrimination based on citizenship.
Apple Inc. has agreed to a $25 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The settlement resolves allegations that the company unlawfully gave preference to immigrant workers for specific positions over U.S. citizens and green card holders, as announced by the agency on Thursday.
According to a statement from the Justice Department, Apple failed to hire U.S. citizens or permanent residents for positions eligible under a federal program that permits employers to sponsor immigrant workers for green cards. This action violated a federal law prohibiting discrimination based on citizenship.
This settlement, as stated by the agency, represents the largest in the Justice Department's history for cases related to citizenship-based discrimination. It mandates Apple to pay $6.75 million in civil penalties and $18.25 million to an undisclosed number of impacted employees.
In response, Apple issued a statement acknowledging that it had unintentionally failed to meet the DOJ's standard.
"As we strive to hire American workers and expand in the U.S., we have put in place a comprehensive remediation plan to meet the mandates of various government agencies," stated the company.
The Justice Department revealed that Apple deviated from its standard practices by failing to advertise job openings eligible for the permanent labor certification (PERM) program on its website, unlike its routine for other positions. Additionally, the company insisted that applicants for these positions submit paper applications, despite its usual acceptance of electronic submissions.
Apple's less effective recruitment practices resulted in minimal or no applications for certain jobs, as per the Justice Department.
The specific Apple jobs affected and the benefits gained were not detailed.
Hiring foreign labor is sometimes cheaper, and immigrants reliant on green card sponsorship are less likely to switch jobs.
As part of the settlement, Apple will align its PERM job recruitment with its standard practices, enhance recruitment efforts, and provide anti-discrimination training.
