A judge on Wednesday blocked key parts of Arizona's tough new immigration law handing a victory to the Obama administration as it tries to take control of the issue.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has promised she will file an appeal to reinstate the provisions which has popular society support but is opposed by President Barack Obama and immigration and human rights groups.
"This fight is far from over," Brewer said, adding that "at the end of what is certain to be a long legal struggle, Arizona will prevail in its right to protect our citizens."
The Republican-controlled state legislature passed the law three months ago to try to drive nearly half a million illegal immigrants out of Arizona and stem the flow of human and drug smugglers over the border from Mexico.
The provisions blocked by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton included:
-requiring a police officer to determine the immigration status of a person detained or
-arrested if the officer believed the person was not in the country legally.
- requirment that immigrants to carry their papers at all times
- making it illegal for people without proper documents to tout for work in public places.
The Justice Department had argued provisions of the Arizona law, which goes into effect on Thursday, encroached on federal authority over immigration policy and enforcement.
In her 36-page decision, Bolton agreed, finding "the United States is likely to suffer irreparable harm" if her court did not block the selected parts of the law.
"The number of requests that will emanate from Arizona as a result of determining the status of every arrestee is likely to impermissibly burden federal resources and redirect federal agencies away from the priorities they have established," she said.
The ruling is a significant victory for Obama, who wants to break the deadlock with Republicans to pass a comprehensive immigration law tightening border security and giving millions of illegal immigrants a shot at legal status -- an already difficult task before November's congressional elections.
(REUTERS)
