Do I Qualify for an Immigration Bond?

Immigrants who have settled in the United States are required to obtain and renew documentation to remain in the country legally. Depending on the type of Visa obtained, this can be as frequent as every 6 months or as seldom as every 10 years. In either scenario, an immigrant who fails to meet these requirements can be arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This agency brings immigration charges against undocumented individuals which must be pursued through the court system. From there, an Immigration Judge (IJ) will determine whether or not the immigrant can remain in the United States or if they will be deported. This process can take several months or more than a year to conclude, which leads those facing these charges to question: do I qualify for an immigration bond?

Once an immigrant is arrested by ICE, they will be transported to a local contracted prison or a nearby detention center. Within a day or two, a bond hearing will take place. During this bond hearing, ICE will delve into the immigrant’s history. They will investigate the criminal history, previous deportations, or illegal entry attempts, family ties, and employment status. These factors help them to get a clear picture of the immigrant’s intentions and background. If this search reveals a dangerous criminal history or multiple attempts to enter the country illegally, it will be difficult to qualify for release through a bond. Additionally, those who do not appear to be cooperative may be viewed as a flight risk which can hinder their chance at release through an immigration bond.

Immigration bond requirements are not cut and dry. Each case is reviewed at the discretion of the agency; however, if the immigrant poses a risk to national security or to public safety, they must be held in mandatory detention. This means that regardless of any other favorable factors, the immigrant cannot be released from ICE custody until a judge makes a final ruling in their case. Immigrants can increase their odds of qualifying for an immigration bond by cooperating as much as possible with the agency. They can also have relatives, employers or other figures in the community write letters to vouch for their character or explain their situation.

Taking these things into consideration, a price will be set for the bond. Afterward, the immigrant will need to make contact with a loved one to see if they are able to pay it. If they are able to pay in full and meet the requirements of an immigration bond sponsor as outlined by ICE–namely that they are a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a valid photo I.D. and social security card–the immigrant will be released shortly after it is paid.

When an immigrant qualifies for an immigration bond but their loved ones are unable to pay the bond in full or prefer not to visit an ICE facility, an immigration bond service can also help. Here, a small percentage of the total bond amount and a form of collateral will be required to secure a release. Loved ones can also pay in full and for a small fee, the money will be held in escrow and then released immediately after the bond is canceled.

Have more questions like, do I qualify for an immigration bond? Reach out to the experienced professionals at US Immigration Bonds today.