Washington – AJC praised today’s federal court decision blocking key provisions of Arizona’s new immigration law. The controversial measure is slated to go into effect on Thursday.

In her ruling, United States District Court Judge Susan Bolton temporarily blocked a requirement that Arizona police would check the immigration status of detainees they reasonably suspect of being in the country illegally, and also blocked the measure that would make it a crime for immigrants to be in the state illegally.

“We welcome the decision to block the measures that would have encouraged racial profiling, fear of police and further distrust in a community already wary of law enforcement,” said Richard Foltin, AJC’s Director of National and Legislative Affairs. “Ideally, the court will make this action permanent, as well as broaden its order to block enforcement of the Arizona law.”

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent implementation of the new law, S.B.1070. The lawsuit argues that the Arizona law unconstitutionally usurps the federal government’s power to establish and enforce immigration policy.

“Arizona’s law is bad policy, and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform at the national level,” said Foltin. “The time is long past due to create a system that effectively responds to our nation’s security and economic concerns, and ensures the humane and fair treatment of immigrants.”