In a significant development for employment law and workplace fairness, a North Carolina-based printing company, Printful Inc., has reached a settlement with the Justice Department over allegations of citizenship status discrimination. This case underscores the importance of adhering to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and highlights the potential legal consequences for companies that fail to comply with federal anti-discrimination laws.
The Justice Department's allegations against Printful Inc., a prominent on-demand printing company headquartered in Charlotte, centered on the company's treatment of a worker based on her citizenship status. The DOJ's investigation revealed that Printful Inc. had unlawfully discriminated against a lawful permanent resident by rejecting her valid driver's license and Social Security card and instead demanding her permanent resident card to verify her work eligibility.
Further, the investigation brought to light a discriminatory policy that was in effect from at least July 2022 to July 2023. This policy required non-U.S. citizens to present specific documents to prove their legal work eligibility, whereas U.S. citizens were allowed the freedom to choose from a range of documents for the same purpose. Such practices not only contravene the INA's provisions but also undermine the principle of equal treatment in the workplace.
As part of the settlement, Printful Inc. has agreed to pay $27,500 in civil penalties to the United States, demonstrating the financial implications of non-compliance with federal laws. Additionally, the company will compensate the affected worker with $6,200 in backpay, acknowledging the personal impact of its unlawful practices.
Moreover, the settlement mandates significant corrective measures, including comprehensive training for Printful's personnel on the anti-discrimination requirements of the INA. The company is also required to revise its employment policies to ensure compliance with federal laws and will be subject to ongoing departmental monitoring and reporting requirements, reinforcing the need for continuous adherence to anti-discrimination statutes.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division emphasized the illegality of rejecting valid documents or demanding specific or unnecessary documents based on citizenship status when verifying work permission. Her statement reaffirms the Justice Department's commitment to enforcing the nation's civil rights laws and holding employers accountable for discriminatory practices.
This case serves as a potent reminder to employers across all sectors of the importance of compliance with the INA and the need to uphold fair employment practices. Discrimination based on citizenship status not only violates federal law but also erodes the foundational principles of equality and fairness in the workplace.
For employers, legal professionals, and workers alike, the Printful Inc. settlement offers valuable insights into the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and the importance of maintaining non-discriminatory employment verification processes. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and vigilant about these requirements is essential for fostering inclusive and equitable work environments.
The resolution of the Printful Inc. case is a significant moment in the ongoing effort to ensure that all workers, regardless of their citizenship status, are treated fairly and lawfully in the employment verification process. It underscores the critical role of legal compliance in building and maintaining trust, integrity, and fairness in the workplace.
Based on the detailed reporting by Law360 Staff in the article "NC Printing Co. Settles DOJ Citizenship Discrimination Claim" published on March 20, 2024.
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