The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Thursday that it would drop its immigration case against SpaceX. The lawsuit accused SpaceX of discriminating against certain immigrants in its hiring practices. This decision comes after a temporary block by a judge and signals the end of a legal battle that began under President Joe Biden's administration. The case, initially filed in Brownsville, Texas, alleged that SpaceX discouraged asylum recipients and refugees from applying for jobs between 2018 and 2022.
The Justice Department filed an administrative complaint in August 2023, alleging that SpaceX unlawfully restricted its hiring to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, citing U.S. export control laws. SpaceX denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that export laws impose "strict limitations" on their hiring practices. The company asserted its compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
"SpaceX follows strict policies and procedures to both ensure compliance with all export control laws and regulations and also prevent any unlawful discrimination,"
- SpaceX
The legal proceedings saw a judge temporarily block the Justice Department from advancing the case, allowing both parties to present their arguments. SpaceX also challenged the administrative complaint by asserting that DOJ administrative judges are improperly appointed by the U.S. attorney general. This challenge was part of SpaceX's broader defense strategy against the charges.
The Justice Department's decision to dismiss the case with prejudice means it cannot be brought again in the future. This development follows signals from the department last month suggesting a possible withdrawal from the case. The matter was set to be heard by an administrative judge before the recent decision to drop it.
SpaceX maintained throughout the proceedings that its hiring practices were consistent with federal laws designed to protect national security interests. The company emphasized its commitment to lawful nondiscriminatory practices while adhering to stringent export control requirements.