DALLAS -- A judge today blocked the controversial Farmers Branch anti-illegal immigrant ordinance from taking effect tomorrow.

State District Judge Bruce Priddy granted the 14-day stay asked by two Farmers Branch residents. They challenge whether the city council heeded state open meetings laws when they approved the ordinance last year.

He set a January 22nd hearing in Dallas on whether the temporary restraining order should be made a temporary injunction pending a full trial.

The ordinance would require apartment landlords to verify the citizenship or immigration status of their tenants.

Other court challenges have been filed by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union. MALDEF and the A-C-L-U contends the ordinance is so poorly drafted that it could prevent legal immigrants and citizens from renting. They also contend it provides no clear guidance for apartment managers and owners.

On Monday, the City Council voted to put the ordinance on the ballot May 12th to allow voters a chance to approve it or get rid of it. But it said it would allow the ordinance to take effect tomorrow, as scheduled.