Judge weighs challenge to Arizona driver's license policy

PHOENIX (AP) - A federal judge is considering whether to overturn or make permanent his previous ruling that required Arizona to issue driver's licenses to young immigrants brought to United States illegally but who have been allowed to remain under a 2012 Obama administration program.

U.S. District Judge David Campbell on Wednesday heard arguments from lawyers for the state and the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU represents young immigrants who sued to challenge the state's policy of denying them licenses.

Campbell took the sides' dueling requests for a pretrial decision in the case and said he'll decide quickly.

Campbell on Dec. 18 issued a preliminary injunction. It bars the state from enforcing former Gov. Jan Brewer's policy of denying licenses to about 20,000 immigrants. Immigrants on Dec. 23 began applying for licenses.