Instacart settles $5m discrimination case against American workers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 22:20 · Archive

Instacart has agreed to pay $5 million to resolve federal allegations that it discriminated against American job applicants in favour of foreign workers.

Instacart's parent company Maplebear has reached a $5 million settlement with the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over allegations that the grocery delivery service discriminated against American job applicants.

The agencies said Instacart deliberately placed undue burdens on American applicants by requiring them to physically mail applications, deviating from the company's standard electronic application process. According to the Justice Department, the company preferred to hire foreign workers through the Permanent Labor Certification programme, which allows employers to sponsor temporary visa workers for permanent residence in the United States. The conduct occurred from December 2023 through February 2026.

Under the settlement, Maplebear will pay $1 million in civil penalties and establish a $4 million fund to compensate applicants who may have been affected. The company also agreed to post job openings available to foreign workers on its public website and accept electronic applications from Americans. Instacart stated it maintains that its practices complied with all applicable laws and regulations but is pleased to have resolved the matter.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said the settlement marks the 15th agreement the Civil Rights Division has reached to protect American workers. The settlement comes as President Donald Trump has sought to crack down on what his administration says are widespread abuses of foreign worker visa programmes.

How it is being reported

• Instacart to pay $5 million after being accused of discriminating against American workersTrump has sought to crack down on what he says are widespread abuses of foreign worker visa programsIndependent World · 20 Oct, 22:04
• Food delivery favorite forced to fork over millions after DOJ alleged discrimination against American workersThe Department of Justice reached a $5 million settlement with Instacart over allegations the company discriminated against American job applicants.Fox News · 20 Oct, 17:13

In this story: Instacart · Maplebear Inc. · Department of Justice · Equal Employment Opportunity Commission · Harmeet K. Dhillon · Donald Trump · United States

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