Judge blocks measure restricting immigrant hiring
1/30/2009, 5:08 p.m. PST
The Associated Press

ST. HELENS, Ore. (AP) — A Columbia County judge blocked a voter-backed ballot measure that would fine employers for hiring illegal immigrants from taking effect as scheduled Monday.

The measure was challenged by a coalition of Columbia County business owners and voters represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Northwest Workers' Justice Project.

Judge Ted E. Grove said Friday he was approving the injunction while he reviews issues raised by the measure's opponents.

They claim the measure exceeds county powers, violates the single subject requirement of the Oregon Constitution and is pre-empted by state law.

The measure relies on E-Verify, a federal database intended to determine legal residence that critics say is flawed.

Similar measures in several other states also have been struck down.

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