A federal judge has confirmed the legality of New York’s “Green Light Law,” rejecting a challenge from the Trump administration aimed at blocking the state’s issuance of driver’s licenses to individuals lacking proof of legal residency. In a ruling delivered on February 7, 2023, US District Judge Anne M. Nardacci found that the administration did not provide sufficient evidence to support its claims that the law infringes upon federal authority or unlawfully discriminates against the federal government.
The case arose from a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department, which named Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James as defendants. The lawsuit was positioned as a part of the broader immigration policy initiatives pursued by former President Donald Trump. During a news conference announcing the legal action, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the New York officials of prioritizing “illegal aliens over American citizens.”
In response to the lawsuit, James emphasized her commitment to the rights of all New Yorkers, stating, “As I said from the start, our laws protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.” Following the ruling, a request for comment was submitted to the Justice Department.
Judge Nardacci, appointed by President Joe Biden, highlighted in her 23-page opinion that her role was not to critique the policy implications of the Green Light Law. Instead, she focused on whether the Trump administration’s arguments demonstrated that the law violates the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which maintains that federal laws take precedence over state laws. She concluded that the administration “failed to state such a claim.”
Implications of the Green Light Law
The Green Light Law was enacted to enhance public safety on the roads, allowing individuals without licenses to obtain them legally. This is significant as individuals driving without a license often do so without having passed a road test. Additionally, the law facilitates access to auto insurance for these drivers, which is expected to reduce incidents involving uninsured motorists.
Under the provisions of the law, individuals without a valid Social Security number can present alternative identification, such as valid passports or foreign-issued driver’s licenses. To qualify for a “standard driver’s license,” applicants are still required to obtain a permit and pass a driving test. It is important to note that the law does not extend to commercial driver’s licenses.
The Justice Department characterized the law as “a frontal assault on the federal immigration laws” and criticized a provision that mandates the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to notify individuals when federal immigration authorities request their information.
During Trump’s administration, efforts were made to compel New York to amend the law, including a threat to bar New York residents from participating in trusted traveler programs, which would have resulted in longer wait times at airport security. In response, former Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed limited access for federal authorities to driving records, while refusing to provide immigration agents with the names of those applying for special licenses.
Eventually, the administration restored access to the trusted traveler program for New Yorkers following a brief legal confrontation. In the latest lawsuit, the Trump administration asserted that unrestricted access to New York’s driver information would enhance the enforcement of federal immigration priorities. Judge Nardacci pointed out that such information can still be accessed by federal immigration authorities through legal channels, such as a court order or judicial warrant.
The ruling marks a significant victory for New York’s efforts to provide greater access to essential services, reinforcing the state’s stance on inclusivity and public safety.
