Edmond Barthold v. U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service

DYER, Circuit Judge:

Barthold is a citizen of Haiti who came to the United States via Cuba in a small boat. He landed near Fort Pierce, Florida, admittedly entering the country without inspection. The next day, however, he went to the Miami Immigration & Naturalization Service office and requested political asylum. The request was denied by the district director after consultation with the State Department.

At his hearing before the immigration judge, Barthold was informed of his right to be represented by counsel. He asked for a lawyer at government expense and was told that none could be…