The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, alleging that the company discriminated against refugees in its hiring practices. The lawsuit claims that SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them based on their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The suit also alleges that SpaceX falsely claimed in its job listings that only green card holders and US citizens could work at the company due to federal export control laws.

According to the Department of Justice, regulations such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) do not prevent SpaceX from hiring refugees, as their permission to live and work in the US does not expire and they are on equal footing with US citizens. The investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees, actively discouraging them from seeking work opportunities at the company.

SpaceX has not yet responded to the lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks fair consideration and back pay for refugees who were deterred or denied employment at SpaceX, as well as civil penalties and policy changes to ensure compliance with non-discrimination mandates.