The Justice Department announced that UCSD Medical Center has agreed to change hiring practices at the Hillcrest facility and pay a $115,000 penalty in order to resolve a complaint that the hospital excessively screened immigrant job-applicants.

The complaint, filed by the Department of Justice on December 6, alleged the medical center required non-citizen new hires to submit numerous documents in hopes of verifying employment status, yet did not use the same standards for U.S. citizens. The Immigration and Nationality Act prohibits employers from requesting an "unfair" amount of documents based on the applicant's nationality or citizenship.

In addition to the fine, the Department of Justice stated the medical facility has undergone additional training, and will train human resource employees proper hiring practices.

“Federal law protects people who are authorized to work in the United States from facing barriers and discrimination when they are seeking employment,” stated Assistant Attorney General with the Civil Rights Division, Thomas E. Perez. “I commend medical center officials on their cooperation in working with us to reach this resolution."