The Federal Courthouse in Lower Manhattan.

Immigrant in US Illegally as a Child Granted NY Law License

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The Associated Press
WNYC News | Jun 4, 2015

An appeals court in New York has granted a law license to an immigrant who was brought to the U.S. illegally when he was a child.

The court announced its decision granting Cesar Vargas' application on Wednesday.

Vargas' mother brought him to the United States from Mexico when he was 5. He went to college and law school in New York City and passed the bar.

A court committee recommended against his licensing but said the court should decide.

Vargas is eligible to work in the U.S. under a federal program. The court said there is "no legal impediment or rational basis" for keeping him from practicing law in New York.

Last year, California allowed an immigrant in the U.S. illegally to practice law, while Florida has ruled against it.

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The Associated Press

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