OpenAI Settles Visa Discrimination Claims for $3.2 Million

OpenAI has agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle claims that it discriminated against US workers by favoring foreign employees with temporary employment visas. The settlement is one of several announced by the justice department in cases involving alleged discrimination against US workers, mostly by tech companies.

The justice department alleged that OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig recruited foreign workers for some positions and took steps to discourage US workers from applying. This included requiring them to mail paper applications instead of submitting electronic ones, advertising jobs on the radio late at night, and not posting openings on an external website.

Assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon said that 'this substantial settlement ensures that OpenAI redresses harm and changes its recruitment practices so US workers receive a fair opportunity for highly sought-after technology positions'. The department also alleged that both companies violated the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, which bars discrimination based on citizenship.

The settlement includes $1.2 million in penalties and $2 million to compensate alleged victims of discrimination. OpenAI has agreed to revise its employment policies, conduct training, and be subject to monitoring by the justice department.