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The complaint described the law as “a frontal assault on federal immigration laws, and the federal authorities that administer them,” emphasizing that the law requires DMV officials to notify individuals of federal inquiries about their records. From the federal perspective, the ability to access this information is vital for enforcing immigration statutes and ensuring officer safety during encounters with individuals whose legal status in the country may be uncertain.
Supporters of the Green Light Law, however, maintain that the statute is an essential tool for promoting road safety, economic participation, and civil rights. By allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, New York ensures that all drivers have undergone testing, registration, and insurance requirements, reducing the likelihood of unlicensed driving incidents. Advocates argue that denying licenses to undocumented residents does not prevent them from driving but instead forces them to operate vehicles without formal oversight, creating public safety risks
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