Fewer Immigrants Crossing Illegally?

EL PASO - Every year less and less immigrants are caught crossing illegally into borderland according to Doug Mosier from Border Patrol.

The Border Patrol says this indicates that fewer people are trying.

"Over the last fiscal year the statistics were no different, they dropped probably in the neighborhood of 18%," Mosier said.

With 2700 agents watching our border, it could be explained that it's simply harder to make it across now.

"More resources more tools and technology on the border we have more agents than we've ever had in the history of this sector," Mosier said.

But, Ruben Garcia, who houses immigrants at the Annunciation House, disagrees. He says that doesn't mean we have fewer illegal immigrants moving in than before.

"We see a very different statistic than what  the Border Patrol statistic would reflect. Primarily because many people in Juarez and Mexico are using the laser visa," Garcia said.

The Laser Visa allows Mexican residents to cross into the U.S. for temporary visits.

But, Garcia says that the violence in Juarez is scaring those who have crossed legally into staying illegally.

"Our houses are totally full, not only our houses but all shelters in El Paso are at capacity," Garcia said.

While the amount of people who have migrated from Mexico as a direct result of the violence has not been pin-pointed, the estimated number may surprise you.

"Agencies or entities that are attempting to measure that all now speak in the neighborhood of upwards of 100,000 people that have moved into the El Paso Las Cruces area," Garcia said.