Undocumented Lawyer Makes Plea to U.S. Court

A Florida Supreme Court said it may be powerless to let an undocumented immigrant practice law in the state despite recent moves by federal officials to allow immigrants brought to the country as children to obtain permanent status in the U.S.

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners has asked the court to weight in on whether it should waive its rules and allow Jose Godinez-Samperio to be accepted as a member despite the fact that he is currently residing in the country illegally.

Godinez-Samperio is an undocumented immigrant who came on a legal visa with his parents, passed the bar exam but has not yet been admitted.

Justices said they may not have the power to admit him since federal law appears to prohibit non-citizens from being able to gain licenses.

Godinez-Samperio has begun President Barack Obama’s “deferred action plan” that suspends deportation activities for young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children. Before, he would have had to leave the country for 10 years and then apply for U.S. citizenship, but Obama’s actions may allow him to remain in the country.