Bates Wells hip hop lawyer wins Snoop Dogg immigration battle

Bates Wells & Braithwaite has paved the way for US rapper Snoop Dogg to enter the UK after a long-running battle with UK immigration.

Two senior immigration judges found that border authorities were wrong to refuse Snoop — real name Calvin Broadus— entry clearance in 2007.

The ruling was received by both parties on Monday 1 March.

Dogg can now reapply for a fresh visa to enter and work in the UK.

Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus, began his battle with the UK officials after a skirmish between the rapper’s 30-strong entourage and police at Heathrow airport in 2006.

Armed police were called and the rapper arrested at gunpoint after members of Dogg’s crew were refused entry to the 1st Class lounge.

The rapper was later released with two in his party convicted of public-order offenses for using threatening language, and one other person receiving a caution.

The following year Dogg planned to return to the UK to perform and attend an event against youth violence, but was barred entry with officials citing the “fracas in Heathrow” as well as convictions in the US and outstanding charges for possession of drugs and firearms.

The case has subsequently been heard by eight judges in at least eight separate hearings.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite partner and head of immigration and “hip hop lawyer” Philip Trott challenged the legal principles of Dogg’s refusal, with judges ruling that Dogg had a “relatively minor” role in the Heathrow scuffle, which was “precipitated” by decisions made by BA staff and the police.

Trott described the case as a “catastrophic” waste of public money.

“This could have been avoided if the entry clearance officer had been willing to negotiate. Unfortunately the system isn’t set up for debate, just confrontation.”

Aside from Dogg, Trott has also worked with rappers P Diddy, 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes in various cases involving the US hip hop artists entry to the UK.

He added that the Home Office treats such superstars differently, but added that there were no adverse facts that post-date the 2007 refusal, which should allow the artist to receive his visa and be allowed to perform in the UK.

“When we reapply for the visa we will make it very clear what the consequences of public misconduct are,” said Trott.