Posted: Jun 09, 2011 7:44 AM EDT

SMYRNA, Tenn. (AP) - A Smyrna-based landscaping company has agreed to pay an $18,000 fine and take a three-year hiatus from a federal program that gives foreigners visas to work temporarily for U.S. companies.

Vanderbilt Landscaping LLC first came under scrutiny last August when some of the Mexican guest workers hired by the company complained of working and living conditions.

The U.S. Department of Labor found the company violated several requirements of the H-2B visa program, including recruiting U.S. workers for the available jobs before hiring foreigners.

The department issued a fine and the federal government began proceedings to debar the company from the visa program.

The settlement approved last week resolves those issues without Vanderbilt Landscaping admitting wrongdoing.

Former workers filed a federal lawsuit against the company in March. That suit is ongoing.

http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14873 ... with-labor