With nearly 400 thousand illegal immigrants detained every year, their relatives try to do whatever is possible to secure their release so they can, at least until the final ruling by the court, join their families and loved ones.
Their release might prove to be very costly. As immigration bail bonds are quite expensive, it’s important to be aware of all the facts related to the case. Luckily, experts in bail bonds for illegal immigrants in Connecticut can help you determine if your loved one qualifies.
How are immigration bail bonds set?
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency detains illegal immigrants and assesses whether they can be released by posting an immigration bond. These are similar to classic bonds for release from jails. Once accepted, the detainee can wait at home pending the processing of their case through the judicial system. Their primary purpose is to allow the detainee to spend this time with their family and decide whether they will seek the services and advice of an immigration attorney.
The costs of immigration bail bonds depend on several factors the ICE or the Immigration judges take into account when determining the amount of the bond. These elements and factors are the following:
1. The type of bond
- Delivery bond: There are two different forms of bail bonds for immigration, the most common being the “delivery bond”. The delivery bond gives the immigrant the opportunity to have their case heard before an Immigration Judge, so they can be given permission to remain in the US until the conclusion of their case. The immigrants aren’t always successful, but can be united with their families during the period the case is dealt with in the court, which may last up to several years. This time is considered valuable to all those immigrants who have family in the US. It gives them much-needed time to prepare for their return to their native country. The cost of a delivery bond generally starts at a minimum of $1,500 and contains other conditions, such as the obligation to appear at all mandatory hearings related to the case. If they forfeit these obligations, they run the risk of being detained again.
- Departure bond: With the second type of bond, the “departure bond”, immigrants agree not to be departed but to leave the country of their own free will and pay for their departure. There is no court case before a judge, and the immigrants are given a time frame by which they have to leave the country. The time frame is usually between a month and three months after posting the bond. This is considered to be sufficient to get their affairs in order and make plans and accommodations upon returning to their home countries. One of the reasons immigrants opt for this type of bond is that it offers them hope to return to the US someday. Deportation, on the other hand, makes it practically impossible. The minimum price of a departure bail bond for immigration is usually $500.
2. Flight risk
As in all bail bonds, the flight risk is one of the most important factors in determining the price of an immigration bail bond. ICE wants to be assured that the immigrant will cooperate in further proceedings. If they are perceived as being noncompliant or pose a flight risk, they may not be offered a bail bond, or the price will be set at the highest level possible. This consideration applies to both types – delivery and departure bonds, in case ICE assesses that there is a serious risk the immigrant will not abide by their obligations under the terms set.
3. Criminal history
The immigrant’s criminal history is an important element affecting the price of an immigration bond. Those with a serious criminal history may not be eligible for bail at all, while those with minor criminal charges may be deemed eligible, depending on the type of crimes committed. As a result, the cost of their bonds will very often be higher than those set for immigrants without any criminal history.
4. Employment status and ties to the community
Immigrants that have been steadily employed, have strong ties in their communities, and are perceived as productive society members can expect the amounts of their immigration bail bonds to be lower. On the other hand, those who have been unemployed most of their stay and who have a negative reputation in the community risk being faced with higher bond costs.
5. Family ties and immigration status
In principle, immigrants who are detained by ICE are not eligible to remain in the US. However, their previous immigration status may play an essential role in deciding their bond. Immigrants who have previously resided in the country legally, with work or study visas, will be viewed more favorably, and their bonds will be set at a lower level. ICE will also consider any family ties in the US. Those who have been previously deported can be removed from the country within hours of their detainment without any bail bond consideration or court case.
Need information on bail bonds for illegal immigrants in Connecticut? Give BailCo a call!
If your loved one has been detained as an illegal immigrant, we will walk you through the entire immigration bail process and help you work out the optimal collateral and make the arrangements to post the bail and secure their release. At BailCo Bail Bonds Manchester, we’ve got the expertise and experience to assist you in this troublesome time. No matter if you’re in Hartford or another area of the state, contact us now to get the process in motion!