Key parts of Arizona anti-immigration law blocked

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said she would file an appeal to reinstate the provisions, which had popular support but were opposed by President Barack Obama and immigration and human rights groups.

"This fight is far from over," Brewer said, adding that "at the end of what is certain to be a long legal struggle, Arizona will prevail in its right to protect our citizens."

The Republican-controlled state legislature passed the law three months ago to try to drive nearly half a million illegal immigrants out of Arizona and stem the flow of human and drug smugglers over the border from Mexico.

The provisions blocked by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton included one requiring a police officer to determine the immigration status of a person detained or arrested if the officer believed the person was not in the country legally.

Bolton also halted provisions requiring immigrants to carry their papers at all times and making it illegal for people without proper documents to tout for work in public places.

(...) There are an estimated 10.8 million illegal immigrants in the United States, a country of more than 300 million people.

The Justice Department had argued provisions of the Arizona law, which goes into effect on Thursday, encroached on federal authority over immigration policy and enforcement.

In her 36-page decision, Bolton agreed, finding "the United States is likely to suffer irreparable harm" if her court did not block the selected parts of the law.