BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Top Justice Department lawyers say Alabama's new immigration law could actually hamper immigration enforcement rather than being the crackdown that supporters favor.

Two assistant attorneys general are in Birmingham on Monday meeting with business groups and community leaders about the law, which the Obama administration is trying to block.

The Justice Department says immigration enforcement requires cooperation between local and federal officials.

But U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance says there's a risk the law could hurt that effort. She is worried local police may focus on enforcing the state law rather than concentrating illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes.