Judge Rejects New Trump Order
A federal judge has rejected an effort by the Trump administration to block New York’s controversial “Green Light” law, a statute that allows the state to issue driver’s licenses without requiring proof of legal immigration status.
The ruling keeps the law in place, despite arguments from federal officials that it interferes with immigration enforcement and undermines federal authority.
What the Law Does
New York’s “Green Light” law permits individuals to obtain a state driver’s license regardless of their immigration status. The law has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives who argue it weakens immigration enforcement and shields illegal immigrants from federal authorities.
Supporters claim the law improves road safety by encouraging unlicensed drivers to take driving tests and obtain insurance.
The Court’s Ruling
U.S. District Judge Anne Nardacci, who sits in Albany, ruled that the Trump administration failed to prove the law violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which states that federal law takes precedence over state law.
In her decision, Judge Nardacci stressed that the court was not weighing the policy merits of the law itself, but only whether the federal government successfully demonstrated a constitutional violation.
She concluded that the administration did not meet that burden.
Justice Department Lawsuit Explained
The Department of Justice filed the lawsuit earlier this year, naming New York State, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, and Attorney General Letitia James as defendants.
Federal attorneys argued the law interferes with immigration enforcement and unlawfully restricts cooperation between state agencies and federal authorities.
Key Provisions at Issue
The lawsuit focused on several provisions of the statute, including:
- A restriction preventing the New York Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing driver data with federal immigration agencies unless a court order or warrant is issued
- A requirement that DMV employees certify they will not disclose applicant information
- A rule requiring license holders to be notified within three days if federal immigration authorities request their records
Judge Nardacci ruled that these provisions did not clearly violate federal supremacy as alleged.
Immigration and Public Safety Debate Continues
The judge acknowledged that immigration enforcement remains a politically charged issue nationwide. However, she emphasized that courts are tasked with interpreting the Constitution—not determining whether a law is good or bad public policy.
While supporters continue to argue the law promotes safer roads, critics maintain it prioritizes state politics over border enforcement and federal authority.
For now, New York’s “Green Light” law remains in effect, representing another legal setback for efforts by the Trump administration to challenge state policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
