U.S. Department of Justice Drops Immigration Case Against SpaceX
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the dismissal of its case against SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk, which was accused of discriminatory hiring practices against certain immigrants. This decision, filed in a Brownsville, Texas court, concludes the case with prejudice, preventing future similar claims.
In August 2023, during President Joe Biden’s administration, the DOJ filed an administrative complaint against SpaceX. The complaint alleged that from 2018 to 2022, the company discouraged asylum recipients and refugees from applying for jobs and refused to consider their applications.
According to the DOJ, SpaceX’s job postings and public statements showed a hiring preference for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The company cited U.S. export control laws as the reason for this restriction. However, the DOJ argued that these laws did not require hiring limitations. However, the DOJ contended that these laws did not mandate such hiring limitations.
SpaceX has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a November 16, 2023 court filing, SpaceX stated that export control laws impose “strict limitations on whom it can employ.” The company emphasized following “strict policies and procedures” to comply with these regulations. It also asserted that these measures help prevent unlawful discrimination.
In response to the administrative complaint, SpaceX initiated legal action to block the proceedings, challenging the legitimacy of the DOJ’s administrative judges. The company argued that these judges were improperly appointed by the U.S. Attorney General and wielded powers that should be reserved for officials appointed by the President. A federal judge had temporarily halted the DOJ’s case to consider these arguments. Subsequently, in January 2025, the DOJ indicated a potential reevaluation of the case, leading to the recent decision to dismiss it entirely.
This development occurs amidst broader discussions regarding the authority of federal agencies and their internal enforcement mechanisms. Both Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have expressed criticism of federal agencies’ powers, including those related to immigration enforcement. Notably, Musk serves as a top adviser to President Trump. It leads a commission focused on identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within the federal government.
The dismissal of this case marks an important moment in the ongoing debate on corporate hiring practices. It also highlights discussions on federal regulatory authority and interpreting export control laws in employment.
