The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, the company led by Elon Musk, alleging discrimination against asylum seekers and refugees in its hiring practices. The lawsuit claims that SpaceX discouraged and rejected job applications from asylum seekers and refugees between September 2018 and May 2022, based on their citizenship status, which is alleged to be a violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Additionally, the lawsuit accuses SpaceX of disseminating misleading information about its hiring policies. The company had advertised that it only hired US citizens and lawful permanent residents, a portrayal that the Justice Department argues is both inaccurate and discriminatory.
Elon Musk’s public statements are also under scrutiny in the lawsuit. For instance, a tweet from June 2020, in which Musk suggested that a “green card” was necessary for employment at SpaceX due to the advanced nature of rocket technology, is cited as an example of statements that may have contributed to the alleged bias.
SpaceX has not yet provided an immediate response to these allegations.
The lawsuit’s primary aim is to hold SpaceX accountable for the alleged discriminatory practices. It seeks remedies such as fair consideration and back pay for asylum seekers and refugees who were allegedly discouraged or denied employment due to bias, as well as civil penalties. Furthermore, the Justice Department intends to prompt policy changes within SpaceX to ensure compliance with federal non-discrimination guidelines.
