The Justice Department recently announced a settlement agreement with Micron Technology — a semiconductor memory and storage manufacturer based in Boise, Idaho — over allegations that the company discriminated against a US citizen by hiring a temporary visa worker instead.
“At the Justice Department, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that US citizens receive equal opportunity in seeking employment,” said Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division Kristen Clarke. “Companies of all sizes must comply with our nation’s anti-discrimination laws, and we will continue to enforce this important law.”
The complaint arose when a US citizen worker claimed that Micron denied him employment due to his citizenship status. After investigating, the department found that the company had unlawfully hired the visa worker, disregarding the US citizen’s qualifications.
Under the settlement, Micron is required to pay a civil penalty to the US and provide the affected worker with $85,000 in back pay. Additionally, the company must train its staff on the Immigration and Nationality Act’s anti-discrimination provision, update its policies and procedures, and be subject to departmental monitoring for two years.
