5 Reasons You Might Need Immigration Bonds
There are over 200 immigration prisons and jails throughout the United States. If you or a loved one aren’t citizens here, you’ve already spent a lot of time and energy worrying about that status.
Though non-citizenship can feel hopeless sometimes, there are ways to protect yourself. One way is by learning everything you can about the immigration system. For instance, are you familiar with immigration bonds?
If someone is detained by immigration authorities, this bond can be of great value. As a result, the person will be immediately released. In return, the bond promises that the person will appear in court for all required court proceedings.
There are many ways an immigration bond can come in handy. Keep reading to learn about five that might just save you when you’re caught in a predicament.
1. Detained by Immigration Authorities
When someone gets detained, posting a bond might be the only way to be released from custody. Another purpose of the bond is to ensure the person doesn’t flee the country.
Immigration bonds can be expensive, though. The amount set by an immigration judge depends on the individual circumstances of each case.
Perhaps the detained person or their family cannot afford the bond amount, though. In that case, they may be able to work with an immigration bond agent to post the bond on their behalf.
This agent will typically charge a fee for their services. This is usually a percentage of the total bond amount.
Sometimes, the detained person fails to appear in court for required hearings. Or, they might even violate other conditions of their release. When that happens, the bond will be forfeited, and the government will keep the money.
However, if the person complies with all requirements, the bond will be returned. The person who posted it will receive it at the conclusion of the case.
2. Facing Deportation Proceedings
Sometimes, an immigration bail bond can prevent the immediate separation of a person. It’s worth noting that the cost of these bonds can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Maybe you’re facing deportation proceedings and are considering posting an immigration bond. If so, it may be helpful to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. They can advise you on your legal options and guide you through the process.
3. Not a U.S. Citizen, But Arrested
Anyone who’s not an official citizen of the U.S. should know about immigration bonds. In fact, you should have a reliable bail bond company on hand that you know you can trust.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen and have been arrested for a crime, bonds for immigration could be even more valuable. This bond is separate from any bail bond that may be required for the criminal charge. Navigating a situation like this is another reason you might want a qualified immigration lawyer around.
4. You’re Seeking Asylum
Some people have fled to this country to seek asylum. For them, immigration bonds might be crucial. There are necessary asylum hearings and proceedings that they have to promise to attend via the bond.
However, there is an alternative for asylum-seekers to consider. This program is the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program.
The ATD program provides a secure holding state for individuals awaiting immigration hearings. It allows individuals to live in the community while they wait for their case processing.
Participants in the ATD program must check in regularly with a case manager. Also, they may be subject to electronic monitoring.
There were over 280,000 undocumented immigrants and asylum-seekers in this program last year. It’s some people’s best chance at stability while they go through the legal process with the authorities.
5. You’ve Overstayed Your Visa
Perhaps you’ve overstayed your visa, or you’re about to. Again, an immigration bond might be the only thing that keeps you in this country.
Still, not everyone who has overstayed their visa is eligible for an immigration bond. In some cases, they may not be released at all. Examples include when a person is a flight risk or a danger to society.
Finding the Best Immigration Bonds
Finding the proper immigration bond for your situation may require research and consideration. The first step is to understand the requirements and conditions of your case.
You should know the amount of the bond required to start. Also, note the type of bond needed and any other relevant details.
Next, research different immigration bond companies. Be sure to compare their fees and services. It’s also wise to ensure the bond company is licensed and insured for your state.
Read reviews and ratings from previous clients, as well. This can provide critical insight into their possible success rates.
Consider working with a company that offers flexible payment plans, too. This can be of particular value if you’re concerned about the financial matter of immigration bail bonds.
Lastly, be sure they have a good reputation for customer service. It should be easy and even comforting to work with your bail bondsman.
Continue to Do Your Research
Immigration laws and policies can change frequently. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to stay informed and up-to-date. This is especially true if you or a loved one isn’t an official U.S. citizen.
Knowing the latest developments can help you understand your rights and options. You never know when you might need that kind of information.
Staying informed can also help you avoid scams and fraudulent schemes. There are, unfortunately, many that target vulnerable immigrants. Continuing this research can help you make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
Available Immigration Bonds
You now know many reasons why you might need access to immigration bonds. Hopefully, though, you’ll never actually have to use one.
If you do, though, we’re here to help. We want to ensure you and your loved ones are as secure as possible when navigating the immigration system. So, learn more about our immigration bond services available to you now.