The Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation is suing the US Government over a federal policy barring members from other countries from entering the US. Being listed as a known criminal organization by the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department puts the designation in effect.
The Hells Angels have filed a complaint in federal court in Washington D.C. claiming the designation violates immigration laws and the group's constitutional rights.
According to lawyers for the motorcycle club, the group is comprised of loosely associated charters, "made up of motorcycle enthusiasts who have joined to ride motorcycles together, organize social events, fundraisers, parties and motorcycle rallies."
The Hells Angels have charters in 35 foreign countries, mostly in Europe.
The first concession the club is seeking is a temporary injunction allowing travel visas for foreign members to visit the US. The lawsuit states that the government denies visas to members based solely on being a member of the club.
The motorcycle club is also asking to have it's “criminal organization” status removed.
The group maintains that although some of its members have been convicted of committing felonies, these were individual acts and are not representative of the club as a whole.
The case in question is Hells Angels Motorcycle Corp. v. Napolitano (1:12-cv-1357). The Obama administration is expected to reply to the lawsuit within the next few weeks.
[CNN]
The Hells Angels have filed a complaint in federal court in Washington D.C. claiming the designation violates immigration laws and the group's constitutional rights.
According to lawyers for the motorcycle club, the group is comprised of loosely associated charters, "made up of motorcycle enthusiasts who have joined to ride motorcycles together, organize social events, fundraisers, parties and motorcycle rallies."
The Hells Angels have charters in 35 foreign countries, mostly in Europe.
The first concession the club is seeking is a temporary injunction allowing travel visas for foreign members to visit the US. The lawsuit states that the government denies visas to members based solely on being a member of the club.
The motorcycle club is also asking to have it's “criminal organization” status removed.
The group maintains that although some of its members have been convicted of committing felonies, these were individual acts and are not representative of the club as a whole.
The case in question is Hells Angels Motorcycle Corp. v. Napolitano (1:12-cv-1357). The Obama administration is expected to reply to the lawsuit within the next few weeks.
[CNN]
