CBP records 15 immigration-related violations Monday

By Adriana M. Chávez / El Paso Times
Posted: 12/14/2011 09:43:29 AM MST

Ten people have lost their ability to legally enter the U.S. after they allegedly violated the terms of their nonimmigrant visas.

Officials with Customs and Border Protection said officers working at the El Paso port of entry recorded 15 immigration-related violations on Monday.

Of those 15, 10 were intended immigrants who had a legally-issued laser visa, which allows them to visit the U.S. temporarily. The visa doesn't permit holders to work or live in the U.S.

Officials said in most cases, officers are able to determine when laser visa holders are violating the terms of their document. Violators generally lose their visas and are returned to Mexico.

"This is a busy period at our ports of entry and some people will attempt use the crowds and blend into the legal traffic in an effort to circumvent the border crossing procedures," said El Paso Port Director Hector Mancha.

Officers also identified three immigrant smugglers, a person who made a false claim to U.S. citizenship and a person who entered the U.S. without inspection.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_19545657