Arizona court asked to block parts of new immigration law

PHOENIX - A civil rights group asked a federal appeals court Tuesday to block provisions of a new voter-approved state law that denies some public benefits to illegal immigrants.

Approved by voters in November, the law requires proof that a person is not an illegal immigrant when applying for some government services and proof of citizenship when registering to vote. It also says government workers who do not report illegal immigrants seeking the benefits can face jail time.

In an emergency motion, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco to block portions of the law while it appeals a judge's earlier decision allowing the law to go into effect.

Supporters see the law as a way to begin cracking down on illegal immigration in Arizona, the busiest illegal entry point on the U.S.-Mexico border.

The civil rights group contends the measure will harm families who depend on public benefits for basic necessities, and could potentially cut them from all state services.

U.S. District Judge David Bury on Dec. 22 lifted an order temporarily blocking the law. He said opponents had little chance of success in their lawsuit challenging its constitutionality.