Undocumented DREAMer Eligible to Practice Law in Florida

From Fox News Latino:

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners says that an undocumented immigrant born in Mexico appears to qualify for a law license, but it still wants an advisory opinion from the state Supreme Court before making a final decision.

The board initially denied Jose Godinez-Samperio's admission to the bar but asked the justices to decide whether being an illegal immigrant disqualifies applicants. The new findings submitted to the Supreme Court on Monday are the result of a request by Godinez-Samperio to consider new information related to his character and fitness before the Supreme Court makes its decision.

Former Florida State University President Talbot "Sandy" D'Alemberte, now teaching law at the school, is representing his former student.

"I hope the bar examiners would just go ahead and approve his admission to the bar and just be done," D'Alemberte said Tuesday.

D'Alemberte, also a former American Bar Association president, said the board's findings that Godinez-Samperio had no moral character or fitness issues that would prevent his admission was more good news that could help the state Supreme Court rule in his favor. He said the justices could dismiss the board's request for an opinion.

President Barack Obama announced in June that his administration will let undocumented immigrants remain in the United States if they are no older than 30, arrived as children, have no criminal history and graduated from high school or served in the military.

D'Alemberte filed a motion with the justices last month arguing that makes Godinez-Samperio eligible for legal immigration status and work authorization. Read more...

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