OpenAI Settles U.S. Hiring Discrimination Probe for $3.2 Million
OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle U.S. Justice Department allegations that they discriminated against American job applicants by favoring foreign workers on temporary visas. The DOJ claimed the companies used tactics like requiring paper applications, late-night radio ads, and not posting openings externally to discourage U.S. applicants. The settlement includes $1.2 million in penalties and $2 million for affected workers. OpenAI denied wrongdoing but agreed to revise hiring policies and submit to DOJ monitoring. The case is part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on visa system abuse.
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OpenAI pays $3.2 million to settle DOJ hiring discrimination claims
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on August 5, 2026, that OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig Inc. have agreed to a $3.2 million settlement over allegations of hiring discrimination against U.S. workers. The DOJ claimed the companies violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by favoring temporary visa holders during the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) process. Investigators found that OpenAI kept PERM-related job listings off its public career website, required paper applications by mail, and advertised openings during late-night radio slots—tactics described as deliberate barriers to U.S. applicants. Under the settlement, OpenAI will pay $1.2 million in civil penalties and set aside $2 million for a back-pay fund for affected workers. The company must also list future PERM openings publicly, accept electronic applications, provide anti-discrimination training, and allow DOJ oversight. OpenAI disputed the findings but agreed to resolve the matter. This is the 13th settlement under the DOJ's Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative, relaunched in 2025.
OpenAI pays $3.2 million to settle DOJ hiring discrimination claims
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on August 5, 2026, that OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig Inc. have agreed to a $3.2 million settlement over allegations of hiring discrimination. The DOJ claimed the companies violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by favoring temporary visa holders over U.S. workers during the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) process. Investigators found that OpenAI kept PERM-related job listings off its public career website, required paper applications by mail, and advertised openings during late-night radio slots—tactics described as deliberate barriers to U.S. applicants. Under the settlement, OpenAI will pay $1.2 million in civil penalties and establish a $2 million back-pay fund for affected workers. The company must also list future PERM openings publicly, accept electronic applications, provide anti-discrimination training, and allow DOJ oversight. OpenAI disputed the findings but agreed to resolve the matter. This is the 13th settlement under the DOJ's Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative, relaunched in 2025.
OpenAI settles DOJ discrimination claims for $3.2 million over hiring bias favoring visa holders
The U.S. Justice Department announced on Tuesday that OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig will pay $3.2 million to settle allegations that they discriminated against U.S. workers by favoring temporary visa holders during hiring. The DOJ found 'reasonable cause' that the companies made it harder for U.S. workers to apply for positions they intended to fill through the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) process, including failing to post jobs externally, not advertising on late-night radio, and requiring paper applications for PERM roles while accepting electronic ones for other positions. OpenAI disputes the findings but agreed to settle to proceed with its PERM program supporting employees needing immigration assistance. The settlement includes $1.2 million in civil penalties and $2 million for a fund to compensate affected U.S. workers. The case involves fewer than 10 positions but reflects broader Trump administration efforts to crack down on visa system abuse.
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OpenAI pays $3.2 million in US probe over hiring foreign workers
OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle U.S. Justice Department claims that they discriminated against American job applicants by favoring foreign workers on temporary employment visas. The Justice Department alleged that the companies discouraged U.S. workers from applying by requiring paper applications, advertising jobs late at night on radio, and not posting openings externally. The settlement includes $1.2 million in penalties and $2 million to compensate alleged victims. OpenAI denied wrongdoing but agreed to revise hiring policies, conduct training, and submit to Justice Department monitoring. The case is part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on visa abuse, though a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas has been blocked by legal challenges.
OpenAI pays $3.2 million to settle U.S. probe over hiring foreign workers
OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle U.S. Justice Department claims that they discriminated against American job applicants by favoring foreign workers with temporary visas. The Justice Department alleged that the companies discouraged U.S. workers from applying by requiring paper applications, advertising jobs late at night on radio, and not posting openings externally. The settlement includes $1.2 million in penalties and $2 million to compensate alleged victims. OpenAI denied wrongdoing but agreed to revise hiring policies, conduct training, and submit to Justice Department monitoring. The case is part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on alleged visa system abuse, particularly in the tech sector.