Who Qualifies for an Immigration Bail Bond?

Immigration bail bonds are a type of surety bond that allows an individual who has been detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be released from custody while they await their immigration court proceedings.

This bond serves as a guarantee that the individual will attend all of their court hearings and comply with any orders issued by the immigration judge. However, not everyone is eligible for an immigration bail bond. In this article, we will discuss who qualifies for an immigration bail bond and the process of obtaining one.

##Understanding Immigration Bail Bonds

Before we dive into who qualifies for an immigration bail bond, it is important to understand the basics of this type of bond. Immigration bail bonds are different from criminal bail bonds, as they are issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rather than a state or local court. These bonds are also known as delivery bonds, as they are used to ensure that the individual will be present for their immigration court proceedings. There are two types of immigration bail bonds: delivery bonds and voluntary departure bonds. Delivery bonds are issued to individuals who are in ICE custody and are awaiting their immigration court proceedings. On the other hand, voluntary departure bonds are issued to individuals who have been ordered by an immigration judge to voluntarily leave the country within a specific time frame. Both types of bonds require the individual to attend all of their court hearings and comply with any orders issued by the immigration judge.

Who Qualifies for an Immigration Bail Bond?

Not everyone who is detained by ICE is eligible for an immigration bail bond. In order to qualify, the individual must meet certain criteria set by the DHS. These criteria include:

• Being in the custody of ICE
• Having a valid immigration case
• Not being considered a threat to national security or public safety
• Not having a criminal record or prior immigration violations
• Not being subject to mandatory detention (such as individuals with certain criminal convictions or individuals who have previously been deported)

If an individual meets these criteria, they may be eligible for an immigration bail bond. However, it is important to note that even if an individual meets all of these criteria, the final decision to grant a bond is at the discretion of the DHS.

The Process of Obtaining an Immigration Bail Bond

If an individual is determined to be eligible for an immigration bail bond, the process of obtaining one can be quite complex. The first step is for the individual to request a bond hearing with an immigration judge. During this hearing, the judge will consider factors such as the individual’s ties to the community, their immigration history, and their likelihood of attending their court hearings. If the judge grants the bond, the individual will then need to pay the bond amount set by the judge. This amount can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the individual’s case. In some cases, the individual may be able to pay the bond in full. However, if they are unable to pay the full amount, they may need to seek the assistance of a bail bond agent, who will charge a non-refundable fee for their services. Once the bond is paid, the individual will be released from ICE custody. However, they will still need to attend all of their court hearings and comply with any orders issued by the immigration judge. Failure to do so can result in the bond being revoked and the individual being taken back into custody

Conclusion

In conclusion, not everyone who is detained by ICE is eligible for an immigration bail bond. The individual must meet certain criteria set by the DHS and the final decision to grant a bond is at the discretion of the DHS. If an individual is determined to be eligible for a bond, the process of obtaining one can be complex and may require the assistance of a bail bond agent. It is important to comply with all court orders and attend all hearings to avoid the revocation of the bond.

FAQs

Q: Can someone with a criminal record qualify for an immigration bail bond? A: It depends on the severity of the criminal record and the individual’s immigration history. In some cases, individuals with criminal records may still be eligible for a bond.

Q: Can an immigration bail bond be paid in installments? A: No, the bond amount must be paid in full before the individual can be released from ICE custody.

Q: What happens if an individual fails to attend their court hearings while out on an immigration bail bond? A: The bond may be revoked and the individual may be taken back into ICE custody.