DOJ Files Lawsuit Against SpaceX for Alleged Discrimination Against Asylees and Refugees

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, accusing the rocket company of “routine, widespread, and longstanding” hiring discrimination against people with asylum or refugee status.

According to the lawsuit, between 2018 and 2022, SpaceX “wrongly claimed” that export control laws limited its hiring to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. This resulted in asylees and refugees having “virtually no chance of being fairly considered for or hired for a job,” the lawsuit states.

Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, said in a statement: “Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law.”

The Department of Justice is seeking to end the alleged discrimination, as well as monetary damages for those affected.

SpaceX has yet to comment on the lawsuit. However, the company has previously said that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges facing SpaceX. The company is also facing a lawsuit from a former employee alleging racial discrimination and harassment.

The Department of Justice’s lawsuit against SpaceX is a reminder that all employers must comply with federal laws and regulations when it comes to hiring practices. Discrimination based on citizenship status is illegal, and those who violate the law must be held accountable.