Attorney General Pam Bondi Rails Against New York Leaders as She Announces Immigration Lawsuit
New York Leaders Criticized for Prioritizing “Illegal Aliens Over American Citizens”
In her first press conference since taking office last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi accused New York leaders of prioritizing “illegal aliens over American citizens.” Standing in front of federal agents who have been tasked with helping in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, she echoed the president’s rhetoric as she vowed the Justice Department would take on communities that thwart federal immigration efforts.
Lawsuit Targets New York’s “Green Light Law”
The lawsuit, which targets the state’s “Green Light Law,” was enacted to improve public safety on the roads by allowing people who may not be in the U.S. legally to obtain driver’s licenses. The law also makes it easier for holders of such licenses to get auto insurance, reducing the number of crashes involving uninsured drivers.
Justice Department Seeks to Strike Down the Law
The Justice Department is seeking to strike down the law, which it describes as “a frontal assault on the federal immigration laws, and the federal authorities that administer them.” The lawsuit highlights a provision that requires the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner to inform people who are in the country illegally when a federal immigration agency has requested their information.
New York Leaders Defend the Law
Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul have defended the law, saying it “protects the rights of all New Yorkers and keeps our communities safe.” A spokesperson for Hochul said the governor “has been clear from day one: she supports deporting violent criminals who break our laws, believes that law-abiding families should not be targets, and will coordinate with federal authorities who have a judicial warrant.”
Angel Mom Speaks Out
Tammy Nobles, whose 20-year-old daughter Kayla was killed in a violent crime committed by someone who entered the country illegally, spoke out alongside Bondi. “Tammy represents not only herself and her family but all of the great angel moms around this country who have suffered because of what the Biden administration did,” Bondi said.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the Green Light Law?
The Green Light Law is a New York state law that allows people who may not be in the U.S. legally to obtain driver’s licenses.
* What is the purpose of the law?
The law aims to improve public safety on the roads by allowing people who may not be in the U.S. legally to obtain driver’s licenses and to reduce the number of crashes involving uninsured drivers.
* What is the Justice Department’s position on the law?
The Justice Department is seeking to strike down the law, which it describes as “a frontal assault on the federal immigration laws, and the federal authorities that administer them.”
* What is the current position of New York leaders on the law?
New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul have defended the law, saying it “protects the rights of all New Yorkers and keeps our communities safe.”
