Allow undocumented students brought as kids to take the State Bar exam

The Issue

Children should not be punished for the immigration transgressions of their parents. This value is found in the bible (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:20) and in our Constitution (Article III- rejecting "corruption of blood" laws). It is a misdemeanor to be undocumented in the U.S. after the age of 18. But such a misdemeanor is not enough for a negative finding by the Sate Bar of a person's "overall moral character." This is especially true when the applicant has established deep roots in our community and has lead an otherwise exemplary life. The State Bar should not discriminate against otherwise qualified students who seek to take the State Bar exam and become an attorney. For more information go to www.immigrationhelpla.com/students

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Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles, P.C.Petition StarterScott McVarish is an attorney with 12 years of executive leadership experience in immigration law, unions, non-profits and political campaigns. He is currently the attorney for a private law office, the Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles, P.C. He is also on the executive committee for the advocacy non-profit, Clergy Laity United for Economic Justice- Los Angeles (<a href="http://cluela.org" rel="nofollow">cluela.org</a>), where he focuses on matters related to immigrant communities.
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This petition had 157 supporters

The Issue

Children should not be punished for the immigration transgressions of their parents. This value is found in the bible (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:20) and in our Constitution (Article III- rejecting "corruption of blood" laws). It is a misdemeanor to be undocumented in the U.S. after the age of 18. But such a misdemeanor is not enough for a negative finding by the Sate Bar of a person's "overall moral character." This is especially true when the applicant has established deep roots in our community and has lead an otherwise exemplary life. The State Bar should not discriminate against otherwise qualified students who seek to take the State Bar exam and become an attorney. For more information go to www.immigrationhelpla.com/students

avatar of the starter
Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles, P.C.Petition StarterScott McVarish is an attorney with 12 years of executive leadership experience in immigration law, unions, non-profits and political campaigns. He is currently the attorney for a private law office, the Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles, P.C. He is also on the executive committee for the advocacy non-profit, Clergy Laity United for Economic Justice- Los Angeles (<a href="http://cluela.org" rel="nofollow">cluela.org</a>), where he focuses on matters related to immigrant communities.
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The Decision Makers

California State Bar Board of Trustees & Committee of Bar Examiners
California State Bar Board of Trustees & Committee of Bar Examiners
California State Bar

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Petition created on April 12, 2012