BRADENTON, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with Anna Maria Oyster Bar Inc. over allegations of immigration-related discrimination.
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According to the DOJ’s investigation, the Bradenton-based restaurant group required lawful permanent residents to present specific documents, such as Permanent Resident Cards, to verify their work authorization, even when other valid documentation was provided. The DOJ found this practice, which reportedly occurred from March 1, 2023, to September 1, 2023, violated the Immigration and Nationality Act’s (INA) anti-discrimination provisions.
The investigation reportedly began after a worker complained that Anna Maria Oyster Bar rejected valid documents she had presented and requested a Permanent Resident Card.
“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,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
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“Unnecessary and discriminatory obstacles in the onboarding process can harm those who wish to lawfully participate in our economy and deprive employers of their talents.”
Under the settlement, Anna Maria Oyster Bar will pay a civil penalty to the United States, revise its employment policies, train employees on INA compliance, and undergo monitoring by the DOJ. The settlement requires employers to accept any valid documentation chosen by workers that reasonably appears genuine and relates to the individual.
According to its website, Anna Maria Oyster Bar operates several restaurants in Florida, including Landside on 14th Street West, Cortez on Cortez Road West, Ellenton on 51st Avenue East, Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, University Town Center on University Parkway, and North Port on Tamiami Trail.
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Workers who believe they have experienced similar discrimination are encouraged to contact the DOJ’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section, which provides guidance on the INA’s anti-discrimination provisions and resources for employers.
