NEW YORK (AP) — On Tuesday, a federal judge upheld New York's Green Light Law, which permits individuals to obtain driver's licenses without having to prove their immigration status, rejecting attempts from the Trump administration to block it.
U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci noted that the administration did not substantiate its claims that the law undermines federal authority or discriminates against federal agencies. The lawsuit, initiated by the Justice Department against Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, was framed as prioritizing illegal immigration over U.S. citizens' rights.
In her ruling, Nardacci emphasized that her duty was not to judge the law’s policy effectiveness but whether the federal claims were valid under constitutional principles. She concluded that the administration had 'failed to state such a claim.'
James defended the legislation by highlighting its role in safeguarding New Yorkers and fostering safer driving conditions. The Green Light Law facilitates access to auto insurance for undocumented drivers while requiring them to pass road tests and obtain permits.
In previous confrontations with the Trump administration over the law, various restrictions, including limitations on trusted traveler programs for New Yorkers, were proposed as leverage. Governor Hochul's administration ultimately restored access to these programs after a brief legal tussle.
The Green Light Law allows alternative identification forms, such as passports, for applicants without a Social Security number. This move is designed to incorporate undocumented residents into the realm of driver's license holders, enhancing public safety and ensuring responsible driving practices.
The ongoing refusal to comply with federal information requests by the state points to a broader tension in the relationship between state and federal immigration policies, as Judge Nardacci reaffirmed that federal authorities can still access driver information via judicial channels.
