Federal judge rules against Trump admin over New York law that allows illegal immigrants to drive

A federal judge Tuesday ruled that a New York law, which allows people without a valid Social Security number to obtain a driver’s license, does not violate the Constitution. 

The Green Light Law, as it’s often referred to, was adopted, according to Fox News, to improve road safety. By allowing those applying for a driver’s license to submit alternative forms of identification, such as a valid passport or license issued in another country, they would be less likely to drive without a driver’s license under the law. 

Under the law, applicants are still required to obtain a driver’s permit and pass a road test to get their license. It does not apply to commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). 

The law also prevents federal immigration agents from seeing the driving records of illegal immigrants during traffic stops. In February, the Justice Department, Fox News reported, sued New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Attorney Letitia James, arguing that the law violated the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which states that federal laws supersede state laws. 

U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci ruled that the Justice Department failed to prove that’s the case. 

James called the lawsuit “baseless,” in a post on X. 

“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,” the attorney general said in her statement.