Dismissal of sanctions challenge not end of fight

The Associated Press

Published: 12.10.2007

PHOENIX - The dismissal of a legal challenge to a new Arizona immigration law doesn't signal the end of the attempts by business and immigrant right groups to overturn provisions punishing employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Lawyers for the business groups said they will continue to try to persuade a federal judge to block enforcement of the law before it takes effect Jan. 1.

A ruling Friday night by U.S. District Judge Neil Wake said the groups challenging the law sued the wrong government officials.

"He didn't uphold the law. He didn't decide if it was constitutional. We can have that argument another day," said Julie Pace, an attorney for the business groups.

The lawsuit was filed against the governor and state attorney general, who are given only investigatory authority under the law and wasn't aimed at county prosecutors, who actually have the power to enforce the restrictions, Wake's ruling said.