VIDEO: Long Lines at NY DMV on First Day Illegals Can Apply for Drivers Licenses

Fox News reports illegal immigrants in New York will able to obtain driver’s licenses after a last-minute legal challenge was dismissed — making it the 13th state to allow the practice, but one that critics say is unconstitutional.

The Green Light Law, signed by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this year, allows anyone to apply for a driver’s license regardless of immigration status and does not require a Social Security number.

Illegal immigrants can use a combination of documents that include a valid passport from a foreign country and a valid foreign driver’s license, as long as it has been expired for less than two years.

“After waiting 18 years to have their right to drive restored, thanks to our legislature, New York can now officially join 12 other states in making driver’s licenses legally available to all residents,” New York Immigration Coalition Executive Director Steve Choi said in a statement this week, arguing that it will make roads safer and the economy stronger.

“This is a major step forward for all New Yorkers as we keep building New York to live up to its full potential of equity, opportunity and justice,” said State Sen. Luis Sepúlveda (D-Bronx). “We also look forward to the significant economic and safety benefits the law will bring to communities across our state.”

The controversial measure faced multiple lawsuits. Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns, whose lawsuit was dismissed last month, argued that the measure violated federal law and would make New Yorkers less safe.