U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) today called on the Florida Legislature to act swiftly on behalf of Jose Godinez-Samperio and other immigrant students who seek to work and realize their highest potential.

Today, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that Jose Godinez-Samperio cannot be admitted to the Florida Bar, and highlighted the necessity for the Florida Legislature to act. 

“All Floridians have a stake in students like Jose because we have invested in him,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. “As someone who has been working with Mr. Godinez-Samperio and the community to support all Dream Act students who have played by the rules and now want to join the workforce, I call on the Florida Legislature to act swiftly to ensure that our students can be secure in their jobs, professions and futures."

Godinez-Samperio was 9 years old when he was brought by his parents to the United States from Mexico. He was valedictorian of his 2004 graduating class at Armwood High School in Hillsborough County, Fla.; graduated with an anthropology degree from New College in Sarasota, Fla.; and graduated with a law degree from Florida State University. 

U.S. Rep. Castor filed a supportive letter with the Florida Supreme Court regarding Godinez-Samperio’s case, and in 2013, he was her guest to the President’s State of the Union.

"Comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level also could be a solution. Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress continue to block immigration reform and their inaction will continue to cost us talent and jobs, and a more productive America,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.

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