Jeffrey Noles was a prominent immigration lawyer from Portland, Oregon. Noles represented Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Ma Anand Sheela and many other Rajneeshees on immigration matters during their inhabitancy of Rajneeshpuram in Oregon.
Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, a spiritual teacher who developed a substantial international following in Pune, India, decided in 1981 to relocate to the United States. While investigating possible sites, he and his chief lieutenant, Ma Anand Sheela, visited the 64,000-acre Muddy Ranch in southern Wasco County, decided that it was the perfect place for their planned community, and purchased it at top dollar.
Because the ranch was agricultural land in a rural part of Wasco County, creation of what was effectively a new city violated state land-use laws. Rajneesh leaders used physical intimidation to exclude Wasco County officials from the ranch and tried to incorporate it as the City of Rajneeshpuram, a status that would subject them to fewer restrictions. Oregon Attorney General David Frohnmayer argued vigorously that the incorporation was illegal because the community was closed to nonadherents, a position with which court decisions agreed. (In a moot decision laid down in 1987, after the community had imploded, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the incorporation was legal.)
In addition to the legal troubles associated with the establishment of Rajneeshpuram, many Rajneeshees, who came from all over the world had trouble with immigration. Bhagwan, as well as many of his followers, attempted to gain citizenship or permanent residence in the United States by way of marriage. In Bhagwan's case, he filed for preference as a religious leader, most of the cases were met with denials and lengthy legal processes which eventually resulted in charges of immigration fraud.
Portions of this note come from The Oregon Encyclopedia Project
The Collection consists of primarily documents used in the immigration cases of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, his mother, Saraswati Bai Babulal Jain, and residents of Rajneeshpuram, Oregon
Items are arranged and labeled as they were found in binders and
folders. Original arrangement was kept as close as possible. The collection is
arranged into seven series:
The collection is open to the public.
The Oregon Historical Society is the owner of the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from the Research Library prior to any use of reproductions. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use of reproductions may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright holders.
Jeffrey Noles Rajneesh Collection, Coll 621, Oregon Historical Society Research Library
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.
Exhibit A contains documents used in the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh immigration case that were organized into folders based on the subject. Documents were used as evidence in an attempt to argue his importance and fame all over the world as a religious figure. Includes photocopies of letters, examples of published works, materials from various Rajneesh organizations and information about his religious beliefs and activities both in India and the United States. Includes a few color brochures and an introductory pamphlet.
Individual letters of support from all over the world for Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh to gain citizenship in the United States.
Brochures from various Rajneesh Meditation Centers around the world
Newsletters from around the world in various languages. Includes an issue of Bhagwan Magazine #4, 1983
Letters from publishers and bookstores regarding the significance of carrying or publishing Rajneesh works. Booklet entitled "Rajneeshism: An Introduction to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his Religion", Catalog of books and audiotapes
Letters from publishers and bookstores regarding the significance of carrying or publishing Rajneesh works. Booklet "Rajneeshism: An Introduction to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his Religion". Includes a catalog of books and audiotapes
Front covers of Darshan diaries and booklets by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
Examples, including photos of audio and tape displays, letters from television stations, television schedules, lists of videos and cassettes. Folder includes cover of missing material entitled "Meditation Techniques" Exhibit A2718
Photocopies of books, journals, thesis paper, examples of academic courses that teach Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh material
Photocopies of album covers, inserts, song lyrics and book excerpts.
Displays, ephemera from conference presentations, examples of publicity materials having to do with presentation events.
Photos of events, articles, interviews and book releases related to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh from September 1982-September 1983
Documents spanning Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's life in India from roughly the 1950s-1970s. Includes a number of affidavit testimonials from friends, family and classmates and school records
Summarized overview of already presented information regarding Bhagwan's religious work.
Summary of supporting documentation. Includes copies of applications, ordered list of all documents and biographic information about authors of letters of support
Contains an affidavit assessment and summary of themes throughout submitted letters of support. Topics are broken down e.g. Bhagwan's contribution to religion and culture
Continuation of Subseries 15. These are focused on themes of international recognition and the potential positive economic benefit to the U.S. of granting citizenship to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
Series B contains correspondence between lawyers, immigration officials, examples of procedures and information showing how the case had been handled previously.
Various documents related to immigration case. Includes initial approval of 3rd preference status.
Documents related to the immigration case of Bhagwan's mother. Initially she overstayed her visa and appealed an order to leave the country on the basis of poor health.
Case files for individual residents of Rajneeshpuram. Documents mainly related to immigration status or a marriage in which immigration status will change with marriage.
Correspondence, handwriting analysis
Loose items and folders. Includes some immigration case related documents, news clippings and original copies of books, pamphlets and newsletters
Contains documents demonstrating that Ma Anand Sheela's parents, who were legal permanent residents of the United States had secretly adopted Bhagwan as a child in India.