DACA Recipient Resolves Employment Discrimination Dispute with Fast Food Restaurant
Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) announced the favorable resolution of an employment discrimination case involving a Latina woman and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who was unlawfully denied employment at a fast-food restaurant in the Greater Boston area, despite having valid work authorization. DACA is an immigration program that provides temporary protection from deportation and grants recipients work authorization.
This incident highlights the persistent barriers immigrants face even with lawful work authorization and raises critical questions about corporate responsibility, compliance with federal employment laws, and the restaurant industry’s readiness to address its ongoing workforce challenges. The settlement includes systemic workplace reforms designed to prevent similar incidents of discrimination based on immigration status in the future.
In April 2023, LCR’s client applied for a job at the fast-food restaurant. Although qualified and legally authorized to work in the United States, she was rejected solely because she lacked a U.S. passport or green card. This occurred during a time when the fast-food industry was grappling with labor shortages and high turnover rates in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Instead of meeting its urgent workforce needs with qualified, work-authorized immigrants like our client, this restaurant chose to engage in unlawful discrimination,” said Mirian Albert, Senior Attorney at LCR. “This case is a stark reminder that DACA recipients—who contribute meaningfully and legally to our economy—continue to face unjust barriers to employment.”
While the restaurant denies any wrongdoing, the settlement requires it to compensate LCR’s client for the damages she suffered and implement key reforms, including:
- Adding a reporting mechanism to its online job application platform for applicants to submit complaints directly to the company.
- Posting clear guidance at all Massachusetts locations about federally accepted documents that establish employment eligibility.
“This is a significant win in the fight against systemic discrimination,” said Sophia Hall, Deputy Litigation Director at LCR. “Our client stood up for her rights, and now this employer—and others—are on notice: discrimination based on immigration status is illegal and won’t go unchallenged.”
LCR continues to advocate for the rights of immigrant workers and urges individuals who face similar discrimination to come forward.