The state Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a motion that an undocumented immigrant be admitted to The Florida Bar because of a 2012 federal policy aimed at helping young people stay and work in the country.
Justices, however, indicated they are continuing to consider a request from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners for an advisory opinion about whether Jose Godinez-Samperio should be admitted.
Godinez-Samperio came to the United States at age 9 from Mexico and graduated from the Florida State University law school. His attorney filed a motion with the Supreme Court in January seeking admission because he had been approved under the federal policy for a work permit and continued residency.
But the court, in a short order, denied that motion. “In this cause, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners has petitioned this court for an advisory opinion regarding a clearly stated question,” the order said. “The separate issue of the individual movant’s admission is not before this court.”
