DOJ Files Suit Against Dalton Rug Firm

Washington, DC, July 9, 2010--The Justice Department said in a press release that it filed a lawsuit against Garland Sales Inc., a rug manufacturer and seller in Dalton, Georgia, accusing it of discrimination by imposing unnecessary and discriminatory hurdles to employment for work authorized individuals. 

According to the department, Garland required all non-U.S. citizen applicants to present certain work authorization documents.  The Immigration and National Act (INA) requires that employers not impose different or greater employment eligibility verification (I-9) standards on non-citizen authorized workers as compared to U.S. citizens.

Garland allegedly imposed different and greater requirements on non-U.S. citizens as compared to applicants who were U.S. citizens. 

The department also said it found that Garland retaliated against a limited English proficient naturalized U.S. citizen, when it rescinded a job offer.  Specifically, Garland requested the individual produce a "Green Card" (Form I-551 Resident Alien Card), which the applicant did not have because he is a U.S. Citizen.  When the applicant did not produce this document and voiced concern about being asked to produce it, Garland withdrew his offer of employment.