LOS ANGELES, CA – The DREAM Bar Association issued the following statement on the eve of oral arguments in the case of Sergio Garcia and his dream to become a member of the state bar of California:
“We, the DREAM Bar Association, support Sergio Garcia, an undocumented law graduate, with his petition to be admitted to the California Bar Association. Although immigration is a federal issue, licensure of attorneys falls squarely upon the states, and California is free to license Garcia as an attorney if they chose, despite what the federal government may do. Especially after DACA, undocumented Americans are finally being accepted into increasingly important roles in our society. Sergio Garcia’s case represents the important role states play in advancing the rights of undocumented Americans, and helping the US in keeping talent to fill and create jobs.
Sergio Garcia joins Jose Godinez-Samperio in Florida in passing the required state bar exam and the moral character review and asking the courts whether or not his status as undocumented would automatically disqualify him from admittance to the Bar. In addition, Cesar Vargas is also seeking to be admitted into the New York State Bar.
Sergio Garcia does not, however, go without support: in addition to the immigrant rights community supporting his petition, the Committee of Bar Examiners stated “Mr. Garcia’s status in the United States should not, ipso facto, be grounds for excluding him from law licensure. He has met all of the prescribed qualifications and there is no reason to believe he cannot take the oath and faithfully uphold his duties as an attorney.” The Bar Committee also said that it was not aware of any statute, regulation or authority that would preclude Garcia’s admission.
Oral arguments for Garcia’s case, In Re Garcia, take place on Wednesday. As DREAMers, we see the importance of setting a strong example to allow undocumented Americans, especially DREAMers who have worked their entire lives towards their goals, achieve their potential. The admittance of exceptional undocumented Americans like Sergio Garcia to the California Bar Association will become a strong precedent to open doors for others to reach their career ambitions, both in California, as well as across the country.”
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The DREAM Bar Association (“DBA”) is a non-profit legal organization that extends membership to undocumented pre-law students, current law students, practitioners and paralegals. Led by undocumented law students and practitioners, the DBA’s purpose is to provide a network for undocumented immigrants who are interested in pursuing a career in law, are pursuing a career in law or are practicing in this field. This support networks seeks to provide a forum where its members can answer question related to the legal field, and work cooperatively on other issues affecting undocumented immigrant people.