The U visa was created in 2000 “to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases” relating to several major crimes. But applicants could wait several more years before a final determination is made.

A week after his surprise arrest near El Paso, a reputed drug lord made his first appearance in an El Paso courtroom.

After Texas deployed the barrier, a panel ordered it removed. The full appeals court says it can stay while a lower court hears a case on the merits.

The two men were arrested at the Santa Teresa, New Mexico airport, just across the state line from El Paso.