SAN DIEGO -- With an increase in drug violence in Mexico, many terrified citizens are looking to the U.S. for help.

Authorities said shootings, stabbings and kidnapping are increasing throughout Mexico.

"A woman did wake up in the morning and found there were heads in front of her house. And she was really scared for her children and thought that if she ran for the border she'd be safe here. And ultimately, I don't think she'll be able to stay here," said immigration attorney Jonathan D. Montag.

The people facing this violence are so scared they would not talk on camera, but Montag said many Mexicans are desperate to escape.

"They have murders going on around them. They wake up in the morning and find heads in paper bags in front of their homes or businesses, and they are afraid for their safety and want to know if they can get protection in the United States," said Montag.

One way some Mexicans are using to try and cross the border is through asylum.

According to the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, if a person wants asylum in the U.S. they must face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinions.

Experts like Montag said most Mexicans do not meet these criteria.

"General lawlessness from the country from which you come is not a basis for asylum," said Montag.

However, that is not stopping people from trying.

The number of Mexicans applying for asylum has nearly doubled over the last few years. Last year, more than 2,100 Mexicans asked for asylum, but only 123 were approved.

Montag said the border violence should become a bigger priority in the U.S.

"The national security experts say that the threat from this drug war to the United States is probably greater than all the things that we now perceive as our greatest threat," said Montag.

For now, there is no easy way for those who want to get away from the violence and feel safer to stay in the U.S.