Apple, the world's leading technology company, has entered into an agreement with the US Department of Justice to pay $25 million. The agreement is intended to resolve claims regarding the company's human resources policy, which raised questions about the preferences for immigrants over US citizens and green card holders in certain positions.

The company violated federal law by giving preference to immigrants in positions related to a federal program that allows employers to sponsor immigrants. Hiring for such positions did not include U.S. citizens or green card holders, which called into question the legality of the company's actions.

It was also found that Apple did not announce the vacancies, as required by the program, on its website. This shortcoming in recruitment violated the usual standards of informing about vacancies. In addition, paper applications were required to be submitted by mail, which differs from the standard electronic procedure.

This becomes the largest settlement in history involving citizenship discrimination claims for the U.S. Department of Justice. Apple's obligations include the payment of $6.75 million in civil penalties and $18.25 million in compensation to affected employees.

The agreement is a confirmation that the company violated immigration rules and acknowledges the fact of guilt by paying significant amounts of money.

This agreement is a step towards the end of the scandalous episode and puts an end to the controversy over Apple's unlawful HR policy, bringing the case to a new stage.