Tech giant accused of favoring foreign workers over U.S. citizens
Apple has agreed to a $25 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) following allegations that the company’s hiring practices discriminated against U.S. citizens in favor of foreign workers. The case marks one of the largest settlements under federal anti-discrimination employment laws and has sparked renewed scrutiny over hiring practices in the tech industry.
DOJ Investigation and Findings
The DOJ’s investigation focused on Apple’s participation in the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM), which allows companies to sponsor foreign workers for green cards. Federal authorities found that Apple had implemented hiring policies that made it harder for U.S. workers to apply for certain positions while making it easier for foreign candidates already in the U.S. on temporary work visas.
According to the DOJ’s findings, Apple allegedly:
- Limited job postings to internal company sites instead of publicly advertising them.
- Required paper applications, rather than online submissions, creating additional barriers for American workers.
- Prioritized foreign applicants by making the hiring process more accessible to them.
By doing so, investigators claimed Apple violated federal laws that ensure equal job opportunities for all applicants, regardless of nationality.
Settlement Terms and Apple’s Response
Under the terms of the settlement, Apple will:
✅ Pay $25 million in fines and back pay to affected U.S. workers.
✅ Revise its hiring practices to ensure equal access for American job seekers.
✅ Implement new electronic application systems to prevent discrimination.
✅ Conduct anti-discrimination training for hiring managers.
✅ Undergo federal compliance monitoring to ensure adherence to labor laws.
While Apple denied any intentional wrongdoing, the company stated that it remains committed to diversity, inclusion, and compliance with U.S. labor regulations. A spokesperson emphasized that Apple values a global workforce but acknowledged the need for more transparent and fair hiring policies.
Broader Implications for the Tech Industry
Apple’s settlement has intensified discussions about hiring practices in Silicon Valley, where companies frequently rely on foreign talent to fill technical roles. While tech firms argue that highly skilled foreign workers are essential, regulators stress that American workers should not be unfairly excluded from job opportunities.
The DOJ has warned that it will continue to investigate hiring discrimination cases, signaling potential enforcement actions against other major corporations.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration policies, labor rights, and corporate hiring practices in the U.S. Apple’s agreement to revamp its recruitment process could set a precedent for other tech companies, reinforcing the importance of equal access and compliance with federal employment laws.
