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JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SETTLES WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION

WASHINGTON, D.C.- A South Dakota meatpacking and processing company has agreed to pay $7,500 in back pay and $1,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations of workplace discrimination, under an agreement reached today with the Justice Department's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC).

Today's agreement resolves a complaint alleging that Iowa Beef Packers, Inc (IBP), based in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, discriminated against Ramiro Loza Placencia, a permanent resident from Mexico. Mr. Loza alleged that in July 1996, while seeking employment, IBP refused to accept his valid alien registration card and insisted that he go to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and return with documentation stating that his card was legitimate. Mr. Loza also presented his valid driver's license and unrestricted social security card to IBP.

OSC decided to pursue allegations of document abuse after determining that IBP had violated the antidiscrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This provision makes it illegal for employers of four or more employees to request more or different documents than required for completing the I-9 employment eligibility verification form, and to refuse to accept documents that appear genuine and relate to the individual presenting them.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, IBP will pay Mr. Loza $7,500 in back pay, post a notice concerning its responsibilities under INA, and train personnel involved in the hiring process.

"Rejecting valid documents and insisting on particular ones is against the law," said Special Counsel John D. Trasviña. "Each individual, whether citizen or non-citizen, should have his or her choice of what documents to present 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 subject to discrimination in the hiring process because of their national origin or citizenship status. OSC has obtained more than 6,000 complaints, recovered more than $1.8 million in back pay and $1.25 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 RelatedUnfair Employment Practices

P.O. Box 27728

Washington, D.C. 20038-7728

Email: osc.crt@usdoj.gov