Many people haven’t heard of an immigration bond until they know they need one.
When an immigrant is detained by the government, maintaining and exercising your rights becomes a serious matter.
The good news is that immigration bonds are available as one option to alleviate some of the stress of this situation. The bad news is that not everyone is eligible.
We are here to help. If you or a loved one has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you need to understand what types of help are available.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about immigration bond requirements. You can use this guide to help you determine eligibility in your personal situation.
How Are Immigration Bond Requirements Determined?
If a person has been detained by ICE, they may be able to pay a bond to release their detention. This is promise made between the individual and the court that the individual will attend all hearings. A person is eligible if they can prove they are not a community or flight risk.
Ultimately, a judge has the final say in court. But you can prepare for your court appearance knowing whether or not you may be eligible for attaining an immigration bail bond. Immigration bond lawyers typically agree that four categories may disqualify you from an immigration bond.
1. Location of Detention
If detention occurred by immigration authorities at a point of entry such as an airport, or along a U.S. border or coastline, you may be ineligible. If this is the case, you might attempt to apply for “parole” from immigration authorities.
2. Moral Turpitude
If you have a history of charges involving moral turpitude, you may be ineligible.
Naturally, there is an element of subjectivity here. However, moral turpitude is a legal term. It signifies an act that gravely violates community standards or would shock individuals within the community.
3. Drugs and Firearms
If you have prior convictions involving possession of drugs or unlawful use of firearms, you may be ineligible. One or more offenses in these categories greatly reduces your likelihood of approval for immigration bonds by the judge.
4. Aggravated Felony
Aggravated felonies will also greatly reduce the likelihood of the option for bail. This includes a broad range of offenses.
Most notably, offenses include drug trafficking with the intention to sell or deliver, firearms trafficking, or felony alien smuggling. It also includes violent crimes such as rape, sexual abuse of a minor, possession of child pornography, murder, or attempted murder. Fraud, income tax evasion, and significant money laundering will also bar individuals from eligibility.
Gonzales & Gonzales Immigration Bonds and other law firms can help you determine if a prior conviction will bar you from receiving a bond.
What To Do If You Have Been Detained
Detention by ICE is an extremely scary and stressful situation. For families, it can mean a standard of living comparable to imprisonment with unclear expectations of what will happen next. For many individuals, however, help is available in the form of immigration bonds.
Several reputable law firms exist to help you if you have been detained and meet immigration bond requirements. If you are any a difficult detention situation, do not hesitate to seek legal help immediately.
If you found this article helpful, please check out our other legal and financial advice here on Guide Brain.
