A federal judge appointed by then-President Joe Biden ruled Tuesday that New York can move forward with its controversial “Green Light Law,” allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses—because apparently state “safety” now comes with fewer questions asked.
U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci ruled against the Trump administration, which sued New York in February, finding that the administration failed to show the law conflicted with federal authority or unlawfully discriminated against the federal government. According to the ruling, the state is free to continue implementing the policy.
New York Attorney General Letitia James was quick to celebrate the decision, claiming the law promotes public safety. “As I said from the start, our laws protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe,” James said, adding that she would continue to stand for the rule of law—an interesting phrase choice given the subject matter.
New York’s “Green Light Law” allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses using foreign passports or licenses issued by other countries. The Trump administration, led in this case by Attorney General Pam Bondi, sharply criticized the policy, accusing New York officials of choosing to “prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens.” That criticism hasn’t exactly aged poorly.
This isn’t the first time the issue has landed in court. During President Trump’s first term, the administration attempted to pressure New York to roll back the law—introduced in 2020—by restricting the state’s access to trusted traveler programs that allow faster airport processing. At the time, then-Governor Andrew Cuomo offered limited access to state driving records but continued to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement from viewing records of illegal immigrants who applied for the special licenses.
Cuomo eventually agreed to restore some federal access to driving records, while still shielding lists of illegal immigrants from immigration authorities. After a brief legal fight, New Yorkers regained access to the trusted traveler programs.
While the ruling is a setback for the Trump administration, the broader debate is far from over. The case highlights a clear divide between states eager to expand benefits regardless of immigration status and a federal government determined to put American citizens first. One thing remains certain: President Trump’s commitment to enforcing immigration law and defending national sovereignty hasn’t changed—and neither has the resolve to keep fighting for policies that put Americans, and the rule of law, first.
