4 Things You Need To Know If An Undocumented Immigrant Is Arrested

Undocumented immigrants in the United States often live in fear of being arrested. Fortunately, they do have some rights under existing laws and may not be automatically sent back to their country of origin. They may be able to get released via an immigration bond. Immigration bonds work much like ordinary bail bonds with a few significant differences. Here are four things that you need to know about immigration bonds in the event that a loved one who is an undocumented immigrant is arrested. 

Bond Amounts Are Set By ICE And By Immigration Judges

Bond amounts are determined by several factors, such as the severity of the crime and the flight risk posed by the alleged perpetrator. Other considerations include any applicable criminal history, employment status, and family ties. The minimum amount for an immigration bond is $1,500. The initial bond will be set by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) -- but these amounts are not set in stone. You will be able to petition the immigration judge to whom the case has been assigned either in writing or at a court appearance called a bond hearing. 

Bonds Must Be Paid By Legal Citizens

Immigration bond payments must be paid by those who have legal status in the United States. You don't have to be a full citizen -- the authorities will accept your payment for the immigration bond if you are in the country on legal temporary worker status or otherwise in the United States legally. 

Refusal Of Immigration Bonds Can Be Contested

If ICE refuses to grant the alleged perpetrator an immigration bond, that person has a legal right to contest this decision in front of an immigration judge. If your loved one finds him or herself in this situation, it may be time to seek the services of a qualified immigration attorney. 

Bonds Can Be Paid in Two Different Ways

Immigration bonds can be paid either by cash, money order, cashier's checks, or surety bonds. Surety bonds for immigration cases work in much the same way that traditional bail bonds do -- the surety provider puts up the full amount of the bond in exchange for a percentage of the total -- usually between 15 and 20 percent. You may have to put up collateral for this service. 

Please feel free to contact your local immigration law expert for more information on immigration bonds. For additional information, you can also visit sites like http://www.kasselandkassel.com.


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