Federal Judge Blocks DOJ Lawsuit Against SpaceX Over Alleged Hiring Discrimination

Judge rules that administrative judges overseeing the case were improperly appointed, halting the Department of Justice's allegations of hiring discrimination against asylum recipients and refugees at SpaceX pending the conclusion of the company's countersuit.

The Department of Justice's (DOJ) lawsuit against SpaceX over hiring discrimination allegations against asylum seekers and refugees has been blocked by federal Judge Rolando Olvera. The DOJ had claimed that the company discouraged these individuals from applying for jobs, a violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Judge Olvera argued that the administrative judges, appointed by the Attorney General to oversee the case, were improperly appointed. They had been exercising powers reserved for officials appointed by the President, prompting the block.
SpaceX, led by CEO Elon Musk, denied the allegations and countersued in September, asserting the proceedings against the company were unconstitutional. The company insisted that it wanted to hire the best candidates for each job, regardless of their citizenship status.
SpaceX and Elon Musk have been accused of misinterpreting export control laws, which restrict access to certain technologies. The company claimed in job postings and public remarks that it could only hire U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, otherwise known as green card holders.
The blockage of the DOJ's lawsuit is pending the conclusion of SpaceX's countersuit, and it's yet to be clarified what actions the DOJ will take next. Amid these lawsuits, SpaceX continues to launch resupply missions to the International Space Station.