Judge hears arguments about whether law should take effect July 29

by Jacques Billeaud -Associated Press  

PHOENIX — A federal judge heard arguments on Thursday morning over whether Arizona’s new immigration law should take effect on July 29, marking the first major hearing in one of seven challenges to the strict law.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton also is considering Gov. Jan Brewer’s request to dismiss the challenge filed by Phoenix police Officer David Salgado and the statewide nonprofit group Chicanos Por La Causa.

Bolton began by quickly dismissing Brewer as an individual defendant to the suit, a motion unopposed by Salgado’s lawyer. She then began considering whether to dismiss the case.

Bolton said last week that she may not rule on the officer’s request to block the law before it takes effect.

Hearings on the six other lawsuits, including one filed by the federal government, are set for next week.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38263913/ns/us_news-immigration_a_nation_divided/