State's High Court Takes Up Law Licenses For Illegal Immigrants
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – Should an illegal immigrant be able to practice law in Florida.
That's the issue before the state's highest court in the case of Jose Godinez-Samperio who came to the U.S. from Mexico at age 9. He graduated from college, earned a law degree and passed the Florida Bar.
The Board of Bar Examiners asked the state's high court for guidance before deciding whether to grant a license.
Most of the Florida Supreme Court justices, however, appear skeptical of granting a law license to an illegal immigrant. On Tuesday they heard oral arguments in the case.
It is one of a few cases across the country. Illegal immigrants are also trying to practice law in New York and California.
Godinez-Samperio contends President Barack Obama's new policy involving illegal immigrants gives him the right to practice law.
Justice Barbara Pariente noted the policy likely would change if Obama loses in November.
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