In June 2019, New York passed the “Green Light” law, which took effect on December 19, 2019. This law protects undocumented immigrants by allowing them to obtain a driver’s license without requiring proof of U.S. citizenship. With this law, immigrants have been able to obtain a license, allowing them to find work and move forward with gaining citizenship status. Individuals also have data protection from federal agencies, such as ICE, under this law.
With the Trump administration’s new policies and actions against immigrants, the Green Light law has been looked at again, and attempts to take away these protections have been made. Because of ICE’s new agenda, many government officials have been looking to take away the right for illegal immigrants to possess driver’s licenses.
However, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Federal Judge Anne M. Nardacci rejected the Trump administration’s wishes to take away this law and the rights that it protects. She ruled that the state law does not overstep federal law and that it does not unlawfully grant individuals rights that would challenge the federal government. Nardacci stated that the Trump administration has failed to support any claims that the Green Light law violates the U.S Constitution’s Supremacy Clause–meaning that federal laws are given precedence over state laws. The Green Light law does not break this in any form.
The Green Light law protects the community of New York and those residing in the area. It grants protection for undocumented immigrants and keeps individuals safe. Furthermore, it promotes public safety on the roads as it ensures all drivers have a proper license and allows for all drivers to obtain auto insurance. The rejection of the lawsuit allowed for the Green Light law to remain in place, and no changes were made to the rights available for immigrants.
