New Data Show Immigrant Deaths Along Southwest Border Increased 27 Percent Record

The National Foundation for American Policy reports that immigrant deaths at the border rose 27 percent from 2011 to 2012, according to U.S. Border Patrol data. The 477 immigrant deaths in 2012 represent the second highest recorded total since 1998. The rise in immigrant deaths came at time when fewer people were attempting to enter the United States illegally. Evidence, now, suggests that an immigrant attempting to cross illegally into the United States today is 8 times more likely to die in than a decade ago.

According to the National Foundation for American Policy, over the past 15 years more than 5,500 immigrants have died trying to enter America. The loss of life is a direct result of the absence of legal avenues for foreign nationals to work at jobs in hotel, restaurants, construction and other industries. According to current research, the current visa categories for agriculture (H-2A) and nonagricultural work (H-2B) are considered burdensome and are only for seasonal work, not the type of year-round jobs filled by most illegal immigrants in the United States.

The number of deaths would be even higher if not for the rescue efforts of U.S. Border Patrol agents. In 2012, the Border Patrol rescued 1,333 individuals near the border.

http://www.nfap.com/pdf/NFAP%20DAY%20OF%20RELEASE%20Moral%20Case%20for%20Temporary%20Work%20Visas%20March%2019%202013.pdf

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CBP Announces Interim Final Rule Published to Automate Form I-94

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has switched to an automated Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. CBP announced in March that it would automate the Form I-94 in order to streamline the admissions process for individuals lawfully visiting the United States. The Form I-94 provides international visitors with evidence that they have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. which is necessary to verify alien registration, immigration status, and employment authorization. The automation, which recently began, means that affected visitors will no longer need to fill out a paper form when arriving to the U.S. by air or sea. Travelers who submit the Form I-94 electronically and want a hard copy or other evidence of admission can go to www.cbp.gov/I94 to print a copy of their I-94.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/national/03272013.xml

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Customs and Border Protection Agents Might Escape Furloughs

Government Executive reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents might receive relief from unpaid leave and the elimination of planned overtime this fiscal year. CBP asked Congress to transfer money within its budget to avoid furloughing employees through September 30th. Lawmakers have 30 days to decide whether to approve the request and CBP workers should know an answer by mid June. Other employees who have escaped furloughs include workers from the Federal Aviation Administration, Justice Department, and Education Department.

http://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2013/05/customs-and-border-employees-might-escape-furloughs/63317/

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