South Texas Sees Recent Rise in Illegal Immigrants

CBS Evening News recently reported that border patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas have seen a huge increase in the number of border crossings by illegal immigrants this year. Apprehensions of illegal immigrants have risen from 2,800 in January 2013 to 7,500 in March. According to the agents, some of those crossing the border illegally come from as far away as Brazil. Many are motivated by the recent upswing of the U.S. economy. Others are motivated by the recent talk of immigration reform in our nation's capitol, thinking that if they cross now they will be given a path to citizenship under changing new laws.

The Border Patrol in the Rio Grande Valley area reports that the number of apprehensions increased in the last fiscal year, rising for the first time since 2005. The agency expects this year's apprehensions to number as much as last year or even to exceed that number. Nationally, the increase in illegal immigrant apprehensions has surged by 12 percent. The largest increase, by 65 percent, was in the Rio Grande area, which has become a much-used human smuggling route. In the meantime, a bipartisan immigration bill with sweeping reforms is being debated in Congress which will have to be passed by the Senate, the House, and the Obama Administration. The current bill contains a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the U.S. Whether or not the bill will pass as it is currently written remains to be seen.

Immigration Lawyer in Houston, Texas

As a border state, Texas is home to many foreign nationals who have need of immigration legal services. With constantly changing laws and more in the works, it is more important than ever for anyone with an immigration issue to seek the assistance of an experienced and qualified attorney. The Law Office of Tony E. Parada serves clients in Texas and throughout the nation with comprehensive legal representation in all immigration matters, from asylum to green cards, all types of visas, naturalization, deportation defense, and more.

Lead attorney Tony Parada has been practicing exclusively in immigration law for many years and has been successful in helping clients in all types of immigration issues, including appeals. He and his staff offer legal services in Spanish as well as English, ensuring that you understand the process thoroughly. They understand all of the complications that can arise and how to handle them. Contact the firm to arrange a consultation with Mr. Parada about your immigration matter so that he can advise you on what needs to be done to best handle the situation as soon as possible.