The US Department of Justice announced a settlement with IT staffing firm Ikon Systems LLC over claims the Texas-based company discriminated against US workers.
Ikon allegedly posted job advertisements that specified a preference for those on temporary work visas, according to the department. In addition, Ikon allegedly failed to consider at least one US citizen who applied to the advertisements.
As part of the settlement, Ikon will pay $27,000 in civil penalties and will revise its policies and procedures. In addition, it will pay $15,000 to the affected US citizen.
“Employers, no matter their size and no matter their industry, cannot limit employment opportunities only to temporary visa holders,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division.
The investigation of Ikon began after the US citizen filed a complaint against company. The department said its investigation ultimately found that Ikon posted at least eight job advertisements that allegedly discriminated against US citizens in favor of those with employment-based visas. One advertisement stated, “Looking for OPT, CPT, H4 EAD and H-1B transfer,” according to the department. It also alleged Ikon did not properly consider the US citizen’s application for one of the job postings because of his citizenship status.
Advertisements in question appeared from May 8, 2019, to Sept. 21, 2019.