Enforcement delayed on immigration law

A federal judge has issued an order delaying enforcement of Oklahoma's anti-illegal immigration law, saying it is "substantially likely" it is unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron issued a preliminary injunction earlier this week prohibiting enforcement of provisions of the law.

In Utah, an Immigration Interim Committee is evaluating a comprehensive measure which includes some provisions similar to those in the Oklahoma law. Utah's law is set to take effect in July 2009.

The court decision came on a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Oklahoma Chamber and other business groups.

State Chamber official Mike Seney said the ruling was timely since the employer portions of the law were to take effect July 1.

Provisions of the Oklahoma law subjected employers to penalties for failing to comply with a federal employee verification system designed to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants.

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