A Texas staffing firm reached a settlement with the US Justice Department over claims the staffing firm discriminated against a worker based on his citizenship status, the department announced April 11.

The claim is against Infinity Employment Solutions Inc. The company formerly did business as Express Employment Professionals of Mesquite, Texas. Express’ Mesquite office has been under new ownership since November 2023.

In the incident, a permanent resident presented their driver’s license and Social Security card, which should have been sufficient to provide permission to work, according to the department. Instead, the firm required a Permanent Resident Card before the person could begin work. As a result, the person lost 20 days of wages.

“It is unlawful discrimination for employers to reject a worker’s valid documents showing their permission to work because of the worker’s citizenship status,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said in a press release.

The staffing firm will pay a $2,232.00 civil penalty, provide $2,080 in back pay plus interest and be subject to monitoring requirements, according to the department.

SIA has reached out to the owner of Infinity Employment Solutions, Allessandra Beserra, for comment.