Cesar Vargas, co-director of one of the most prominent immigrant rights groups in the country, was not allowed to practice law until Wednesday, when a New York court ruled in his favor. The decision culminated a years-long struggle that ended up making history.

On June 3, the New York State Supreme Court Second Department Appellate Division approved Vagas’ application for the New York State Bar, according to a press release from Latino Justice PRLDEF. The legal group had undertaken the case, representing Vargas in court.

Championing immigrant rights, Vargas works as co-director of the Dream Action Coalition (DRM), advocating for justice for immigrants and immigration reform.

Vargas is a DREAMer himself, having come to the U.S. when he was 5 from Mexico. He remained an undocumented immigrant but was given deferred action status in 2012 under President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) order.

After graduating in 2011 from the CUNY School of Law, Vargas passed the New York Bar exam that same year but could not practice law because of his immigration status.

The subcommittee of the Committee on Character and Fitness for the Second Judicial Department decided in 2013 to deny Vargas’ application despite his “stellar character,” according to the court’s decision, “for the purpose of having the Court make a decision based on immigration status.”

The court found Vargas eligible for the state Bar and approved his application. The decision has been hailed by immigration rights activists, since it sets a precedent that allows DREAMers to work in certain fields restricted to those with legal documentation.

Vargas took to Twitter to celebrate the news, writing, “NY, my home, OFFICIALLY says I can be a licensed lawyer!”

"Cesar Vargas exemplifies the qualities and commitment this country needs in our workforce. I applaud the Second Department for affirming what we all see in Mr. Vargas; that he is a welcome addition to the Bar. This Court did not shy away from the larger issues in the immigration debate and in doing so gives hope to many aspiring Latino law students who also have legal presence like Mr. Vargas." Juan Cartagena, president and general counsel of Latino Justice PRLDEF, said in a statement.

DRM Action Coalition also celebrated the news on Twitter.