A green card is not required to work in the USA - the business owner seems clueless if my understanding is correct about what transpired in this case, Us citizens do not need green cards AND foreign citizens do not need green cards if they have an L, TN, or other such valid work visa. Green cards are only one type of work visa that foreigners can use.
I think the Justice Department is saying you asked for proof of residency by asking for green cards from suspected aliens but did not ask for a SS card, passport, or birth certificate from those you assumed were citizens.
...and we expect that all employers are aware of all visa types and are aware of only being able to legally ask certain questions about status?
I’m an immigrant, I couldn’t work until I had a “green card”. I’m not even aware of these other types of status. There has to be more to this story (?) - how is this such a crime?