DOJ Settles With Rug Maker Over Documentation

Dalton, GA, Jan. 4, 2012 -- The Justice Department announced a settlement with Garland Sales Inc., a Georgia rug manufacturer, involving allegations that it required unnecessary documentation for workers of Hispanic origin, according to Legal Newsline.

Garland has agreed to pay $10,000 in back pay and civil penalties and will also undergo training on proper employment eligibility verification practices, Legal Newsline said.

The DOJ also charged the manufacturer with retaliating against a worker for protesting the treatment.

According to the announcement, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Hispanic descent applied for a job with Garland in May 2009. He presented his unexpired driver's license and an unrestricted Social Security card when hired.

Garland demanded that the he provide his "green card," the DOJ charged.

The company made further requests for documents and when the worker objected to the company's demands, the company rescinded the job offer.

The worker, along with another individual who was denied employment with Garland when the company rejected the individual's valid documentation, will receive full back pay of the $10,000 settlement.

DOJ's complaint also alleged that the company routinely required newly hired foreign-born U.S. citizens to present documentation beyond that required by federal law.