The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has a history of clashing with law enforcement, but the group is hoping a Washington federal judge will take its side in a new fight over federal immigration law.
In a lawsuit filed last week, Hells Angels challenged policies that bar foreign members from traveling to the United States.
Hells Angels describes itself as a club for motorcycle enthusiasts, but it's classified as a criminal organization by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In a lawsuit filed August 16 in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Hells Angels claims that the "known criminal organization" designation isn't warranted and that federal officials have a blanket policy of denying visas to foreign members that conflicts with federal immigration laws.
Hells Angels, according to the complaint, has charters in 35 countries, including theUnited States, and clubs in at least four more countries are seeking to join.