WESLACO – Immigration attorneys are seeing an increase in the number of immigrants applying for U visas.

U visas are meant to protect crime victims who are in the U.S. illegally.  

They’re issued to immigrants who help with the prosecution and investigation of the crimes, which are committed in the U.S.

An immigration attorney tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS these types of visas are facing a delay in immigration courts.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a statement regarding U visas. 

"Congress enacted the U visa into law in order to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies' efforts in the investigation and prosecution of crimes."

KRGV’s Valerie Gonzalez has the details.  

Watch the video above for the full story.