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Young immigrants denied credit by Wells Fargo Bank because they are not permanent U.S. residents can sue the bank under a post-Civil War law barring discrimination on the basis of immigration status, a federal judge ruled. In a decision on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney in San Francisco rejected Wells Fargo's argument that lenders are permitted under a more recent federal anti-discrimination law to consider immigration status before granting loans. Filed in January, the proposed class action accused Wells Fargo of denying student loans and credit cards to immigrants granted work...

An argument by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that federal law permits the bank to discriminate against certain immigrants was rejected by a federal judge, ruling in a lawsuit alleging that the financial giant illegally denied qualified applicants, including college students, loans because of their alienage or immigration status. The suit, brought by MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) and Outten & Golden LLP on behalf of six individuals who were granted status under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, and the California League of United Latin American...

Wells Fargo & Co. illegally denied qualified applicants, including a college student, loans because of their immigration status, according to a federal lawsuit filed Monday. The suit, brought by MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) and Outten & Golden LLP on behalf of a college student who was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, and the California League of United Latin American Citizens, alleges Wells Fargo violated federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on alienage and immigration status. “All students should be treated...

UC Riverside student Mitzie Perez sued Wells Fargo last week for denying her a private student loan because she is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. “As a result of Wells Fargo’s denial, Ms. Perez was forced to cover her entire tuition using various credit cards,” the lawsuit said. This makes it sound as if the only options for students who are unauthorized immigrants in California are private loans and credit cards. Although they are not eligible for federal grants, loans or work-study, those students in California who meet certain requirements have access to the same state aid...