Tech giant Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has reached a $25 million settlement to resolve accusations of engaging in discriminatory hiring practices during 2018 and 2019. The agreement, announced on Thursday, concludes a thorough investigation by the Department of Justice into potential violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
According to federal regulators, an inquiry initiated in 2019 revealed that Apple’s hiring procedures exhibited bias against U.S. candidates, favoring certain immigrant workers seeking permanent resident status. The settlement also acknowledges instances where discrimination extended to non-U.S. residents.
In response to the allegations, Apple vehemently denied any wrongdoing. In a formal seven-page settlement, the Cupertino-based company defended its hiring record, emphasizing its contribution to the employment landscape in the United States.
“Apple proudly employs more than 90,000 people in the United States and continues to invest nationwide, creating millions of jobs,” stated Apple in a response to The Associated Press. “When we realized we had unintentionally not been following the DOJ standard, we agreed to a settlement addressing their concerns.”
Despite the hefty $25 million figure, it represents a fraction of Apple’s substantial financial standing, with a revenue of $383 billion in the last fiscal year ending on Sept. 30. Notably, the majority of the settlement amount, totaling $18.25 million, will be allocated to a fund aimed at compensating victims of the alleged discrimination. The remaining funds will cover the fine imposed on Apple for its hiring practices during the specified timeframe outlined in the settlement.
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Author Faith Yakubu 
