Judge Strikes Down Trump’s Effort To Stop New York From Giving Illegal Immigrants Driver’s Licenses
A federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden has ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to block New York from granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. The decision clears the way for the state’s “Green Light Law” to move forward, despite opposition from federal officials.
U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration failed to demonstrate how the New York law overstepped federal authority or unlawfully targeted federal agencies. The ruling rebuffs arguments that the law illegally interferes with federal immigration enforcement or discriminates against the federal government.
New York Attorney General Letitia James applauded the decision, claiming it reinforces state rights and public safety. “As I said from the start, our laws protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe. I will always stand up for New Yorkers and the rule of law,” she said.
The “Green Light Law,” originally passed in 2020, allows individuals to use foreign passports or driver’s licenses to obtain a New York driver’s license — even if they cannot prove legal residency in the United States. The law sparked sharp criticism from Trump officials and Republican leaders, who argued it puts illegal immigrants ahead of American citizens.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who led the lawsuit against New York earlier this year, condemned the policy, saying state leaders were “prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens.”
In response to the law, the Trump administration had previously suspended New Yorkers’ access to “trusted traveler” programs like Global Entry, which allow expedited airport screening. Governor Andrew Cuomo at the time offered limited access to driving records but refused to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to view applications from illegal immigrants seeking licenses. After legal back-and-forth, the federal government eventually restored New York’s access to the programs.
Despite backlash, Tuesday’s ruling gives New York the green light to fully implement the program, reinforcing the state’s authority to issue licenses regardless of immigration status. The decision is likely to spark renewed debate over immigration policy and the extent of state versus federal power in regulating driver identification.