The Justice Department has reached an agreement with Anna Maria Oyster Bar Inc., a restaurant group located in Bradenton, Florida. This agreement addresses claims that the restaurant group engaged in discriminatory practices against lawful permanent residents during employment verification processes.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “It is unlawful for employers to reject valid documents from lawful permanent residents and require them to present a specific document because of their citizenship status when checking their permission to work.” She emphasized that such practices can create unnecessary barriers for individuals seeking to participate in the economy legally.
The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) launched an investigation following a worker's complaint. The investigation found that Anna Maria Oyster Bar had required a Permanent Resident Card from a worker as proof of her citizenship status, despite her providing adequate documentation of her right to work. This requirement was part of a broader practice involving requests for Department of Homeland Security-issued documents, particularly Permanent Resident Cards, from lawful permanent residents between March 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023.
U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylum grantees, refugees, and other non-citizens with work authorization can legally work in the U.S., provided they prove their identity and permission to work. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) prohibits employers from demanding specific or unnecessary documents based on citizenship or immigration status.
As part of the settlement terms, Anna Maria Oyster Bar will pay a civil penalty to the United States. Additionally, it will train its employees on INA requirements, revise its employment policies, and undergo departmental monitoring.
IER enforces the INA’s anti-discrimination provision which protects against discrimination based on citizenship status or national origin during hiring or recruitment processes. More information about these rights is available on IER’s website. Individuals who believe they have faced discrimination may file charges or contact IER through various communication channels listed by the department.
