Referendum drive, lawsuits could delay immigration enforcement

Referendum drive could delay Arizona law

PHOENIX — A referendum could put Arizona’s tough new law targeting illegal immigration on hold until 2012 if organizers can gather the more than 76,000 signatures needed to get the measure on the ballot.

Opponents of the law have until late July or early August to file the signatures — the same time the law is set to go into effect. If they get enough signatures, the law would be put on hold.

But the deadline to put a question on the November ballot is July 1, said Assistant Secretary of State Jim Drake, so it would likely be 2012 before the law was put to a vote.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

PHOENIX (AP) — At least three Arizona cities are considering a lawsuit to block the new immigration enforcement law.

The cities include Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff. Their possible legal action could lend momentum to the backlash over the harsh immigration crackdown.

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon criticized the measure as “economically devastating.” But he was unable Tuesday to muster support from Phoenix City Council members to jointly file suit to block implementation of the law.

The mayor told reporters he retained legal counsel to prepare a lawsuit to file on behalf of the city.

In Tucson, council members want more time to discuss whether they should take legal action. Flagstaff council members are expected to review their legal options against the measure.