The illegal immigrant “Dreamer” whose law license was approved by New York just two weeks ago, announced Thursday that his license has been delayed because he is on probation from charges stemming from his activism.
Cesar Vargas, a leader in the Dreamer movement, is still on probation after being charged with trespassing for interrupting Rep. Steve King’s presidential forum earlier this year. He said he’s paid all fines, but a county prosecutor in Iowa has refused to clear him, and even argues he’s a danger to society.
“I am not a violent bank robber. I simply did what every American has done: Question politicians on pressing issues and fighting for my family,” Mr. Vargas said in a statement.
He was in court in Iowa defending against the charges the same day a New York court approved his law license, after years of debate and proceedings.
But Mr. Vargas said New York waits until probation is finished before officially accept, so his formal swearing-in is delayed.
The quest by illegal immigrants to obtain law licenses has challenged the legal systems in several states. Some lawyers argue that illegal immigrants cannot show they are in good standing because of their legal status, and some states had said laws preventing illegal immigrants from obtaining business licenses also should prevent them from being admitted to the bar.
But Florida, California and New York have now accepted illegal immigrants.
Mr. Vargas, as a Dreamer, is here under color of Mr. Obama’s 2012 deportation amnesty, which offers tentative legal status and a work permit.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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