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Undocumented Immigrants Denied Law Licenses

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) - The Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday the Florida Bar can't admit immigrants who are in the country illegally.

The Supreme Court issued the ruling in the case of Jose Godinez-Samperio who came to the United States from Mexico with his parents when he was just 9-years-old. The family stayed in the country illegally after the tourist visa expired.

Jose went on to graduate from Florida State University's law school and would pass the Florida Bar exam two years ago.

But the court ruled that federal law prohibits people who are unlawfully in the country from obtaining professional licenses. The Justices said state law can override the federal ban, but Florida has taken no action to do so.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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