Can An Undocumented Immigrant Be Admitted to Practice Law?

   After Sergio C. Garcia passed the bar, the California State Bar certified his admission to the California Supreme Court but also advised the Court that Garcia was an undocumented immigrant. The Court has requested the Bar and Garcia to explain why an illegal immigrant should be granted a law license. The case is Sergio C. Garcia On Admission, S202512, filed May 15, 2012. More about the case is at ImmigrationProf Blog.

  UPDATE: On January 2, 2014 the California Supreme Court granted the State Bar’s motion to admit Mr. Gracia to the State Bar based on legislation passed by the state legislature and signed into law by the governor, which legislation became effective January 1, 2014. The opinion is here. Congratulations, Sergio Garcia!