What happens when your immigration status isn't exactly legitimate and you win $750,000 in a lottery prize?__ Well, in the case of Jose Antonio "Tony" Cua-Toc, a 27-year-old undocumented Guatemalan, you ask your boss to claim the ticket for you–but then suffer the consequences.
Luckily for Jose Antonio, though, a jury in Georgia has found in his favor and declared that the $750k lottery ticket officially belongs to the undocumented immigrant.
Read more ¿Qué más? Undocumented? Unauthorized? Or illegal? Which one should it be?
This inspirational story makes me smile. I'm glad that the jury did not let Jose Antonio's immigration status stand in the way of what is legally his. As reported by Fox News Latino, the jury sided with him this case is because:
Georgia law permits the sale of lottery tickets to foreigners over the age of 18, but it makes no reference to immigration status.
Although Erick Cervantes, who is Jose Antonio's boss that claimed the money, has already spent some of the money, Jose Antonio can stand to claim almost $300k.
Read more ¿Qué más? 'Is This Alabama?', series of videos show not everyone in that state supports anti-immigrant law (VIDEO)
This is particularly encouraging news since Georgia, which is in the South, tends to be a very anti-immigrant state. With more minds being opened up here and in Alabama, perhaps the next election will go in favor of pro-Latino rights candidates. Hey, a girl can hope, right?
What do you think of the undocumented immigrant that gets to keep his lottery winnings?
Image via Insulinde/flickr
