Non-Mexican migrants swamp immigration, border agencies

[The Straight Story]

Non-Mexican migrants swamp immigration, border agencies

By Chris Strohm
[e-mail]
Record numbers of non-Mexican migrants are being caught illegally trying to enter the United States, raising national security concerns, overwhelming federal agencies, and leaving legislators and law enforcement authorities grappling with how to handle the situation.

So far this fiscal year, the Border Patrol has apprehended almost 100,000 undocumented migrants from countries other than Mexico - commonly called OTMs. The majority were caught along the southern border. That number is projected to reach about 150,000 by the end of this fiscal year, which is a 200 percent increase compared to fiscal 2004, according to the Border Patrol.

"The numbers are staggering," said Border Patrol spokesman Salvador Zamora.

The Border Patrol is on pace to apprehend about 1.2 million illegal immigrants this fiscal year, which is about the same as last year. Out of that, about 12 percent are OTMs, which represent a small -- but growing -- portion of undocumented immigrants caught illegally entering the country.

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0605/060805c1.htm

[ogradda]

1. Where are they coming from?

South America?

[99Pancakes]

2. Who are these people?

New busboys other than Mexicans? Imagine!

[billbuckhead]

3. South and Central America

Brazil, Guatemala, El Salvador