Filed Date: Feb. 12, 2025
Case Ongoing
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The federal government filed this case against New York State's immigration-friendly “Green Light Law”. The United States filed its complaint on February 12, 2025, against the state of New York in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. The complaint claimed that the Green Light Law violated the Supremacy Clause, and sought declaratory and injunctive relief. This case was assigned to District Judge Anne M. Nardacci.
The complaint described New York’s Green Light Law, asserting that it bars the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from sharing certain information with federal immigration agencies, requires DMV staff to notify an undocumented noncitizen if a federal agency requested their information, and limits access to records and information from the DMV. The federal government claimed this policy had “materially impeded the Federal Government’s ability to enforce the federal immigration laws.”
The U.S. alleged three violations of the Supremacy Clause. First, the complaint alleged that the Green Light Law was preempted by 8 U.S.C. § 1373(a), which prevents states from restricting government access to information about citizenship or immigration status. Second, it alleged that the law unlawfully regulated the federal government. Third, it complained that the law “singles out” federal immigration authorities in a discriminatory fashion. The federal government sought declaratory relief, a permanent injunction, and attorneys’ fees.
Summary Authors
Juliet Alpert (2/20/2025)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69636672/parties/united-states-v-state-of-new-york/
Handley, Cristen Cori (New York)
Fang, Linda (New York)
Powhida, Alexander (New York)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69636672/united-states-v-state-of-new-york/
Last updated March 11, 2025, 2:45 p.m.
State / Territory: New York
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government
Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government
Key Dates
Filing Date: Feb. 12, 2025
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Plaintiff is the United States
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
State of New York (New York), State
Defendant Type(s):
Facility Type(s):
Case Details
Constitutional Clause(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
Immigration/Border: