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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A New York City employment agency has agreed to pay more than $5,000 in civil penalties and back pay to settle allegations of workplace discrimination under an agreement reached today with the Justice Department.

The agreement with Carol Personnel, Inc. resolves a charge filed with the Justice Department's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) by Sindra Richards, a native of Costa Rica, who is presently in the process of seeking Permanent Resident status with the Immigration and Nationalization Service (INS).

On September 28, 1998 while interviewing with a recruiter for Carol Personnel, Ms. Richards produced her Employment Authorization Document, proving both work authorization and identity. The recruiter refused to accept it and insisted she present a "Green Card" in order to be considered for placement by Carol Personnel.

"Rejecting valid employment documents and insisting on particular documents is against the law," said John Trasvina Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices. "Every individual, whether U.S. citizen or non-U.S. citizen, has the right to have valid documents accepted when they are hired."

The Office of Special Counsel was established to ensure that all work-authorized individuals--U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike--are not discriminated against in the hiring process because of their national origin or citizenship status. OSC has received more than 6,000 complaints and recovered more than $1.9 million in back pay and $1.3 million in civil penalties.

Individuals seeking more information or assistance provided by OSC may call toll-free, 1-800-255-7688 or 202-616-5594 or write to:

Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices

P.O. Box 27728

Washington, D.C. 20038-7728

Email: osc.crt@usdoj.gov