Let's allow SpaceX to thrive with international support and make space exploration a global effort!

The Full Story: SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk in order to revolutionize space technology. In 2015 they proved technology capable of drastically lowering launch costs, by successfully landing one of their boosters back on the earth fully intact allowing it to be reused. And in 2016 Elon showed off SpaceX's plan to go interplanetary to Mars.

Yet, while the company may be going interplanetary they still haven't managed to go international. All of SpaceX's +4000 employees are American and are required to be so unless they went through the trouble of getting a green card. However this is not the companies decision rather the US government's decision through what is known as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

ITAR applies to aerospace companies like SpaceX and controls the export and import of defense-related articles and services on the United States Munitions List. In other words it is preventing non US citizens from being employed at SpaceX in an effort to prevent foreign countries from getting weapon intelligence from the US.

During a conference in Mexico Elon Musk stated that "This is not a wise policy for the US, because there are so many talented people all around the world that we would love to have work at our company. But unless they can somehow get a green card, we’re legally prevented from hiring." We believe that SpaceX should not be held back from great potential in fear of weapon intelligence, since SpaceX is a peaceful company with absolutely no intention to develop weapons.

Since SpaceX is not developing weapons nor anything that could be easily related to a weapon, than there should be no need to block international employment. This is why it should be both reasonable and acceptable for SpaceX to be excused from following ITAR policies under the condition that SpaceX continues as a company with peaceful intentions.

Our Goal: Allow SpaceX to thrive with international support by having the US administration remove the unnecessary restriction of ITAR exclusively from SpaceX. Under the condition that SpaceX continues to be a company with peaceful and harmless intentions.

Q&A:

• Is this an achievable goal? / The odds of ITAR reform for SpaceX are very high at the moment with the new US administration taking advantage of Executive Orders and Elon Musk as the new Strategic Presidential Advisor. All we need is your support by signing this petition and starting the discussion!
• Is this a national security risk? / SpaceX technology would require an extensive amount of modifications in order to be used for any deadly application. In addition, SpaceX would still run background checks on foreign applicants as they would with any other potential employee. It would be simple common sense for SpaceX to deny employment to someone with previous history in the Iran or North Korean military for example. 
• Is this bad for american jobs? / This petition is focused on the advancement of technology rather than the flow of jobs. However, To hire international talent dose not necessarily mean jobs would be replaced, rather the company may expand.
• How can I help? / Currently our petition is in need of proper attention. Once you have signed be sure to share this petition with everyone you know who may also be interested! Also don't forget to mention why you signed to encourage others.

Useful Links:

• ITAR - Wikipedia
• ITAR Explained - PNNL S&T (youtube)
• ITAR Reform - Wikipedia
• ITAR Reform Dies in Congress - govtrack
• Joe Pappalardo's article - popularmechanics
• Elon Musk on ITAR - Tech Insider

It's time to combine all of mankind's talent to explore space with SpaceX! Show your support by signing!