In many cases, the first time you may even learn about an immigration bond is when you or a family member needs one posted. After all, you and your loved ones came to this country years ago and avoided any allegations of misconduct. However, that’s not the only thing that matters these days. Just about anyone without papers could be facing deportation. The first step is placement in a detention center.
If you’re one of the millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States currently facing deportation, it’s critical that you fully understand your options. Your first challenge is securing release until the deportation hearing. You’ll want to do this for a number of reasons.
For one, it may be your plan to fight the prospect of deportation. Without question, it’s easier to find resources when you’re free. Meanwhile, you may just need some time to make arrangements for your family before you return to your country of origin. Depending on your particular citizens, some of them may be permitted to stay in the United States.
When it comes down to it, the immigration bond process allows you the freedom and flexibility to leave detention and figure out your best course of action in the face of a deportation threat. While not all detainees will be eligible for a bond, most law-abiding undocumented immigrants will be able to avail themselves of the process.
Posting Immigration Bond
Much like any other type of bail, immigration bonds allow detainees to be released until their court date. Also, like any other bail process, immigration bonds can be expensive and are subject to case-by-case eligibility. In fact, last year, the news reported that the median cost of immigration bonds has tripled since 1996.
When it comes to establishing the feasibility of releasing those picked up for immigration reasons, there are some important considerations. For example, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (“ ICE”), has the authority to release individuals based on personal recognizance, in which case you won’t need to pay for a bond.
That said, the increasingly zealous agency has been releasing less and less detainees without bail requirements. Factors that decide eligibility for immigration bonds include:
- Criminal history
- Family ties in the United States
- Flight risk
More than likely, you can understand the weight of each of these factors in setting an immigration bond. Criminal charges are considered on a case by case basis. Obviously, a history of flight risk carries great importance.
Which Type of Immigration Bond Is Right for Me?
The two types of immigration bonds include surety bonds and cash bonds. Surety bonds allow the detainee’s loved ones to work with a bonding agent to post part of the bond and pay off the rest after a short period of time. The initial amount of a surety bond is usually around 20 percent.
Cash bonds allow detainees to pay the full amount directly to ICE. The money will be refunded once the hearing and court processes are complete. It’s important to realize, however, that it can take the government over a year to refund money put out for immigration bonds.
Let Freedom Walk You through the Immigration Bond Process
Freedom Federal Bonding Agency has helped hundreds of undocumented immigrants secure their release from detention so they can figure out their legal strategy and better protect their families. We’ll be happy to walk you or your loved one through the immigration bond process. Contact our bonding agents today to learn more about your rights and responsibilities, and to figure out which immigration bond options are right or for you.