Attorney General Pam Bondi Challenges State's 'Green Light' Laws on Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

New York, USA - February 12, 2025
In a bold move to enforce federal immigration laws, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against New York state, its Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder. The lawsuit targets New York's so-called "Green Light" laws, which permit undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses without regard to their immigration status.

The legal action signifies the latest confrontation in the ongoing national debate over sanctuary policies and the balance of power between federal and state authorities in immigration enforcement. Bondi, in a public statement, emphasized that New York has "chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens," a statement that underscores the Trump administration's aggressive stance against states and cities with sanctuary policies.

The lawsuit specifically criticizes New York's legislation for restricting law enforcement's access to information about the immigration status and criminal backgrounds of individuals obtaining driver's licenses. According to Bondi, these state policies obstruct federal efforts to enforce immigration laws, thereby endangering public safety.

This legal battle is not isolated, as it follows similar actions by the DOJ against other jurisdictions, including Illinois and Chicago, for what the administration describes as sanctuary practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement. The move is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to dismantle sanctuary jurisdictions, arguing that they protect individuals who might be in the country illegally, potentially including those with criminal records.

New York officials have not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit, but this case could set a precedent for how state laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration efforts are treated under current federal policy. Legal experts anticipate that this litigation will explore the constitutional boundaries of state versus federal authority on immigration enforcement.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for state-level policies on immigration, especially in states with similar laws or sanctuary city ordinances. It also highlights the escalating tension between state autonomy and federal oversight, with implications for civil rights, public safety, and the integration of undocumented immigrants into American society.