DOJ sues New York over immigration policies and Green Light Law

In the United States, the Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against the State of New York over its sanctuary immigration policies, particularly targeting the Green Light Law. This law, enacted in 2019, allows undocumented migrants to apply for driver's licenses, which federal officials assert compromises public safety. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, during a press conference, described the lawsuit as a necessary step against states that obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Bondi drew attention to the law's implications for law enforcement, claiming it limits their ability to verify the identities of drivers, thus endangering officers and the public. Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have pushed back against these allegations, insisting the law is designed to enhance road safety and provide privacy protections for personal data. They maintain that New York is committed to protecting the rights of its residents, including undocumented immigrants, and that the DOJ's actions are an overreach of federal authority. Following the announcement of the lawsuit, New York leaders expressed their intention to defend the law. The lawsuit marks a continuation of the Trump administration's broader initiative to challenge state-level immigration regulations and laws deemed conflicting with federal immigration policies. Additionally, it comes shortly after another lawsuit was filed against Illinois for similar reasons, indicating a strategic approach by the DOJ to confront sanctuary policies across states. New York City is also considering legal action against the Trump administration regarding the revocation of funding for migrant shelters, highlighting ongoing tensions between state and federal immigration policies. The outcome of these legal confrontations may establish significant precedents regarding the balance of power between states and federal government in immigration enforcement.