The number of immigrants dramatically increased this year from years past. In 2013 fiscal year, over 27,546 people claimed they had credible fear of returning to their home countries. That is a huge jump from 2012 when there were 10,730 cases or in 2008 when there were 3,273. Some contributing factors to the increase in asylum seekers include: tougher border security and the spreading word that seeking asylum can help a person stay in the US longer while undergoing immigration deportation proceedings.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304795804579097473250468020
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304795804579097473250468020