Georgia Rug Maker Denies Discrimination Charge

Dalton, GA, July 16, 2010--A Dalton, Ga. rug manufacturer had denied allegations by the U.S. Justice Department that it engaged in "document discrimination," by forcing job applicants who appear to be from another country to present more detailed proof of their immigration status than other candidates, according to a story in GlobalAtlanta.

The Justice Department sued Garland Sales Inc. of Dalton on July 8, alleging that it rescinded a job offer to a naturalized U.S. citizen after he failed to produce a "Green Card,"  the federal document that is proof an immigrant is a legal, permanent resident of the U.S.

The applicant, who speaks limited English, presented a Georgia's drivers license and Social Security card, which under federal law is considered adequate proof of a person's identity and legal authorization to work in the U.S., the suit states.

The applicant told the company that he is a U.S. citizen and does not have a Green Card, according to the suit. The company then asked him to present a passport or naturalization certificate. When the applicant objected and threatened to file a complaint, Garland then withdrew the job offer, the suit alleges.

Federal law prohibits employers from imposing stricter documentation requirements on job applicants based on their actual or perceived citizenship status or national origin, the suit states.

Garland, which employs more than 250 people, denies the government allegations.

"Garland Sales did not require the job applicant to produce more documents than required in completing the employment verification form," the company told GlobalAtlanta in a statement.

The complaint was filed by a "disgruntled employee" the statement added.