New York’s Green Light Law is a misguided policy that undermines federal immigration enforcement. Providing government-issued identification to individuals without Social Security numbers undermines immigration laws and sets a troubling precedent.
The law permits undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses without a Social Security number. While individuals must still pass a road test, they can provide alternative forms of identification, such as foreign passports, to secure a license.
According to CBS News, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the law in 2019, making New York the 13th state to adopt this measure. The law aims to improve road safety by providing immigrant drivers with easier access to insurance. However, safety should not come at the cost of disregarding immigration laws.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Feb. 12 that the Department of Justice is suing New York state due to its Green Light Law, which affects immigration policy.
Bondi argued that “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops. It stops today.”
The Guardian reported that the lawsuit against New York’s Green Light Law is “a frontal assault on federal immigration laws.” The DOJ argues that the law undermines immigration enforcement by requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles to inform immigrants when federal agencies seek their information.
This provision is key to the DOJ’s argument that the law obstructs immigration efforts. Consequently, the department is requesting that the court nullify it completely.
Bondi announced the lawsuit with Tammy Nobles, whose daughter was killed by an undocumented driver who had entered the U.S. illegally months before the incident. This tragic case highlights the dangers of permitting individuals who bypass immigration laws to access services such as driving.
According to The New York Times, Gov. Kathy Hochul, named in the lawsuit, responded by defending the Green Light Law. She pointed out that courts have repeatedly upheld the law.
Hochul emphasized that federal immigration officials can already access DMV databases with a judicial warrant. She described this process as a “common sense approach” that aligns with most New Yorkers’ views.
However, she strongly opposed granting federal agents or private entities unfettered access to personal DMV data, expressing concerns over the potential risks, especially to vulnerable individuals like teenagers.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, also named in the lawsuit, said, “Our state laws, including the Green Light law, protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe. I am prepared to defend our laws, just as I always have.”
Despite these intentions, the Green Light Law compromises immigration enforcement and public safety.
The law undermines federal immigration efforts. Maintaining strong immigration policies is essential for the security and integrity of the nation.
