Editor's note: After this essay was completed, the California Legislature passed AB 1024, which enables undocumented immigrants to obtain law licenses. The California Supreme Court, which holds the power to grant law licenses, will have to determine whether the new law allows it to admit Sergio Garcia to the State Bar of California.
Like a gladiator walking into a modern-day arena, I confidently entered the California Supreme Court chambers on September 4 ready to fight for my dream. However, I was not facing another fighter, but a piece of law signed by former President Bill Clinton — specifically, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. It is a law that, in my opinion, never had the intention of depriving hard-working members of society from fulfilling their dreams.
