According to a recent report, the Justice Department has taken legal action against Elon Musk founded Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX). The lawsuit claims that from 2018 to 2022, SpaceX discouraged and denied opportunities to asylees and refugees, citing misleading reasons tied to citizenship status.
The Heart of the Matter
SpaceX argued that “export control laws” limited their hiring to only U.S. citizens and green card holders. However, these laws impose no such constraints since asylees and refugees can access export-controlled materials just like any U.S. citizen. Moreover, asylees and refugees undergo stringent U.S. government vetting, making them as eligible as any other applicant.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke remarked, “SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status.” Hence, the department seeks civil penalties and policy changes from SpaceX, ensuring compliance with federal non-discrimination laws.
