Legal Definitions - Zambrano

Definition: Zambrano was a class action case that lasted from 1988 to 2002. The case involved undocumented aliens who challenged I.N.S. regulations that restricted their eligibility for government aid programs. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993, but the plaintiffs' claims were ultimately dismissed due to jurisdictional issues and other impediments. Zambrano, along with other immigration cases, led to the passing of Section 1104 of the LIFE Act, which allowed some immigrants involved in Zambrano and other listed class actions to qualify for permanent resident status if they met certain requirements.

Example: An undocumented immigrant named Maria was unable to receive government aid for her children's education due to I.N.S. regulations. She joined the Zambrano class action case to challenge these regulations and fight for her rights.

Explanation: Maria's situation is an example of the issue that the Zambrano case aimed to address. Undocumented immigrants like Maria were being unfairly restricted from accessing government aid programs, and the case sought to challenge these regulations and expand eligibility for these programs.