The Associated Press reports U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton also delayed three other controversial components of the law. One required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, another made it illegal for undocumented workers to seek employment in public places, and a third allowed officers to make warrantless arrests of illegal immigrants.
The decision was based on a filing by the Department of Justice that argued state law could not trump federal law with regards to immigration legislation. The judge ruled the more controversial sections of the law should be put on hold until that and other issues are resolved.
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said the state will probably appeal the ruling. Most legal experts expect the controversy to reach the U.S. Supreme Court before finally being decided.