Undocumented immigrant granted NY law license

An appeals court in New York has granted a law license to an immigrant who has been in the country illegally since he was brought here as a child.

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

Vargas' mother brought him to the U.S. from Mexico when he was five. He went to college and law school in New York City, and passed the bar.

A court committee recommended against his licensing over his status and said the court should decide.

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

California has also allowed an immigrant here illegally to practice law, while Florida has ruled against it.