Department of Justice Seal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CR

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1999

(202) 616-2777

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888


ARKANSAS COMPANY CHARGED WITH WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION
UNDER JUSTICE DEPARTMENT COMPLAINT


WASHINGTON, DC - An Arkansas poultry processing company has been charged with workplace discrimination under a complaint announced today by the Justice Department. The Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) alleges that George's Processing, Inc., located in Springfield, Arkansas, engaged in workplace discrimination when it refused to accept a Latino U.S. citizen's proof of work authorization and denied her a job. The applicant, who was born in Del Rio, Texas, spoke Spanish and had previously left a position with George's Processing in order to travel to Mexico. Upon her return, George's Processing, Inc. allegedly refused to accept her state identification card and Social Security card as proof of her work authorization when she re-applied for a position there.

"We are committed to pursuing cases where Latino U.S. citizens are being required to prove they are citizens." said Special Counsel John Trasviña. "This is consistent with our efforts to ensure that every work-authorized individual is treated fairly in the employment process."

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) prohibits employers from discriminating against a U.S. citizen or authorized worker by asking for more documentation than the law requires. Under the law, a state identification card and Social Security card are sufficient evidence of a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States. The complaint seeks a civil penalty against George's Processing, Inc. as well as back pay for the job applicant. This charge follows a complaint that OSC filed on March 8, 1999, against a restaurant in Houston, Texas alleging that the restaurant owner discriminated against an Iranian waiter on the basis of his national origin. That complaint alleges that La Trattoria Restaurant discharged an employee after pervasively using the derogatory nickname "Camel", denigrating the employee's Iranian food on a consistent basis, and accusing the employee of being a thief.

Since 1986, when it became illegal to knowingly hire undocumented workers, employers have been required to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires -- U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike. However, in an effort to comply with this requirement, some employers go beyond what is required and single out individuals because of their accent, appearance, name or citizenship status.

OSC was established to ensure that all work-authorized individuals -- U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike -- are not subject to discrimination in the hiring process because of their national origin, citizenship status or because they are thought to look or sound foreign.

Individuals seeking more information about assistance provided by OSC may call, toll-free, 1-800-255-7688 or 202-616-5594 or write to:

Office of Special Counsel for

Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices

Post Office Box 27728

Washington, D.C. 20038-7728 Email: osc.crt@usdoj.gov

www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc

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