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Press Release

Chance to practice law takes positive turn for State of the Union guest

Today, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners issued a positive letter on Jose Godinez-Samperio’s character and fitness for entry to the Florida Bar.

Today, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners issued a positive letter on Jose Godinez-Samperio’s character and fitness for entry to the Florida Bar.

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners had refused to consider Mr. Godinez-Samperio’s application and more than a year ago, referred to the Florida Supreme Court the question of whether undocumented immigrants are eligible for admission to the Florida Bar. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL14) filed a supportive letter with the court. 

“Today is a hopeful step and I am especially delighted that Jose Godinez-Samperio likely will not be denied the chance to continue on his pathway to professional success and contribute his talents to this country. This gives hope to our young, talented immigrants who have been placed in similar circumstances, and are disheartened about their future in the United States. They should not have to individually plead their case to remove the obstacles that our misguided policies have put in their way,” Rep. Castor said.

“I invited Mr. Godinez-Samperio to be my special guest for President Obama’s State of the Union in February and introduced him to the President in order to bring attention to the tenuous situation confronting Dream Act kids in Florida and across the country. I applaud the tireless work of Sandy D’Alemberte, past presidents of the American Bar Association and all who join in fighting for Mr. Godinez-Samperio."

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