What was one reason for the increasing number of asylum seekers in the U.S. in recent decades?

The rise in the number of asylum seekers in the U.S. in recent decades can be attributed significantly to violence and instability, particularly in Latin America. Many individuals and families have fled their home countries due to escalating conflict, crime, and dangerous living conditions. Factors such as gang violence, drug trafficking, governmental corruption, and economic collapse have created environments where people's lives are at risk. Consequently, these individuals seek refuge in the U.S. in hopes of finding safety and protection from persecution or violence that they cannot escape in their home countries.

In contrast, options that suggest economic prosperity or political stability would likely lead to fewer asylum seekers, as people would be less inclined to leave secure environments. The option regarding educational opportunities does not directly correlate with the urgency felt by those fleeing from violence or instability, as their primary concern is survival rather than educational advancement. Thus, the emphasis on violence and instability in home countries encapsulates the critical reasons driving the surge in asylum applications.