Attorney General James Wins Green Light Appeal, Protecting Immigrants’ Ability to Legally Obtain Drivers Licenses

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld a district court decision that dismissed a lawsuit brought by Erie County Clerk Michael (Mickey) Kearns that would have blocked the Green Light law from taking effect last year:

“The Green Light law is legal and enforceable, and today’s decision marks the third federal court to dismiss challenges brought seeking to enjoin the law. This law provides protections to all New Yorkers by making our roads safer, growing our economy, and allowing immigrants to come out of the shadows to sign up as legal drivers in our state. As the state’s attorney and chief law enforcement officer, I am proud to have vigorously defended this law and will continue to do so against all who oppose it.”

Last November, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wolford granted a motion by Attorney General James to dismiss this lawsuit, which was the subject of this appeal.

Additionally, last December, Attorney General James won dismissal of a separate lawsuit brought by Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola — who also sought to block the Green Light law from taking effect — in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.