Unauthorized lawyer?

Despite the many achievements of Jose Manuel Godinez-Samperio during his time illegally residing in the United States, it was a wrong step by the Legislature to amend the law to now permit this individual to possibly be admitted to The Florida Bar. I certainly applaud the lobbying efforts by Sandy D'Alemberte and the other legal counsel. Their efforts were masterful.

The rationale in the legislative debate that other professions don't require U.S. citizenship is baseless. Other professions also don't require an oath to uphold the constitutions of the United States and Florida. An attorney is an officer of the court--in essence, part of the government. A barber, a plumber, a nurse --they take no such oath nor have the unique status of lawyers.

"Deferred action" can be withdrawn at any time, as can a work permit. The other argument that seemed to particularly impress Rep. Greg Steube is that if there were a draft or war tomorrow, Godinez-Samperio would be called up to defend our country. That is one long stretch, when you consider we no longer are drafting conscripts into our...