The Justice Department has reached a settlement with Key Fortune Inc., operating as Express Employment Professionals, a staffing company in Rancho Cucamonga, California. This agreement resolves allegations that the company discriminated against a worker based on her immigration status by not accepting her valid work authorization document and requiring another specific document for future work permission.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “It is unlawful for employers to require a specific document, or to reject a valid document, showing someone’s permission to work because of their immigration status.” She emphasized the department's commitment to protecting workers from such discrimination.
The investigation conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) found that Express unlawfully rejected an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the worker, which was still valid. The company then insisted on a new EAD before assigning any work. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), employers cannot demand specific documentation or refuse valid documentation due to immigration status.
As part of the settlement, Express will pay both a civil penalty and backpay to the affected worker. The company is also required to train its staff on INA's anti-discrimination rules, review its employment policies, and undergo monitoring by the department.
IER enforces anti-discrimination provisions under INA, prohibiting discrimination based on citizenship status or national origin in various employment processes. More information about avoiding unlawful discrimination when verifying work permissions can be found on IER's website.
Individuals who believe they have faced similar discrimination can file charges through several channels provided by IER including hotlines and email support.