Arizona fights Obama challenge to immigration law

The law takes effect July 29. It requires state and local police to investigate the immigration status of anyone they reasonably suspect of being an illegal immigrant.

The Justice Department filed suit this month seeking to block Arizona's law, arguing it would undermine U.S. foreign policy and violate the U.S. Constitution -- charges rejected by state lawyers.

"Arizona merely seeks to assist with the enforcement of existing federal immigration laws in a constitutional manner," lawyers for Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said in documents filed with the court July 20.

"It is (the Obama administration) that is attempting to impose immigration policies and priorities that contravene and conflict with federal law and unambiguous congressional intent."

The Justice Department declined to comment on the challenge.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton will hear oral arguments July 22, and could issue a preliminary injunction if she finds that ultimately the Obama administration would succeed in its quest to have the law struck down.

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