When it comes to fighting for your immigration rights, it is much easier to organize your strategies when you’re not confined to a detention center. When you are free, you can make calls, meet with immigration lawyers in Texas, get advice from family, and much more. The good news is that immigration bonds allow you to walk free while your immigration case is ongoing. The not-so-good news is that immigration bonds are quite complex. While online research may give you a general rundown of how this process works, each case is unique. For personalized advice based on your specific situation, you might want to contact an experienced immigration lawyer in Dallas.
What are Immigration Bonds in Texas?
According to the Advocates for Human Rights, an immigration bond facilitates your pre-hearing release after you have been taken into custody by immigration officials. This is similar to the bail-bond system of criminal cases. The general idea is simple: You agree to pay a certain amount of money, and the authorities release you from custody. You do not get that money back unless you return to immigration court for all of your scheduled hearings. You can think of the bond as collateral or a deposit. It is the court’s way of making sure you show up to your hearings, ICE check-ins, and so on.
How Do I Get an Immigration Bond in Texas?
If you want an immigration bond in Texas, ask for one. ICE may then set a bond amount, and you can pay it to secure your release. Of course, some don’t have access to that kind of cash. Bail bonds worth tens of thousands of dollars are not uncommon, and the lowest possible amount is about $1,500. There is no upper limit, and the authorities are allowed to set whatever bond amount they deem appropriate.
What if I Can’t Afford My Immigration Bond in Texas?
If you cannot afford to pay your immigration bond in Texas, you have a few options. First, you could work with a bond agent. Bond agents provide you with the necessary cash while charging a certain percentage for bond fees. All you need to do is pay the smaller percentage, and the bond agent will cover your bond. When you attend court and satisfy the conditions of your bond, your bond agent will receive the full bond amount – minus their percentage.
Alternatively, you could request a bond hearing. This is a common option for those who feel that their bonds are far too high. If you can convince a judge that your bond is unreasonably high, the court may lower the amount – making it easier for you to pay. Note that a judge might consider your wealth and your ability to pay when determining a fair bond amount. If you have considerable savings, your bond could be higher. If your ability to pay is limited, your bond could be lower.
You might also want to reach out to family, friends, co-workers, and anyone else who might be willing to help you pay your bond. If you have a large network of people who care about you, it might be relatively easy to gather up the required funds. This is especially true if your bond is relatively low. You can offer to pay these people back in the future.
When Do Immigration Courts Deny Bonds?
Many individuals find themselves in situations where immigration bonds seem completely impossible. Courts, judges, and ICE may not offer you a bond under various circumstances: First, they may neglect to offer you a bond if you have certain convictions on your criminal record. If the judge believes that you are a threat to the general community because of these criminal convictions, they may prefer to keep you detained.
Note that some convictions may lead to your continued detention even if your crimes were not particularly dangerous or violent. For example, an aggravated felony may be enough to keep you detained. Certain drug crimes may also prevent you from getting an immigration bond in Texas.
Finally, courts consider whether or not you might flee the country before your hearing. Although the bond system provides a financial incentive to stay in the country, some decide to forfeit the cash and flee instead. The court will carefully determine whether you might take this course of action.
When determining whether or not you’re a “flight risk,” a judge may consider whether there is anything keeping you in Texas. Do you have a family here? Are you looking after children or elderly dependents? These are things you might want to draw attention to if you are fighting for an immigration bond in Texas.
What Happens After I Get an Immigration Bond?
After you get released by the authorities with an immigration bond, it is time to work on your case. You should take this time to work effectively with your immigration lawyer and contact any nonprofits or human rights organizations that can help. Do not attempt to flee the country or hide in your community, as this will only make your situation worse.
Note that your release from custody may only be temporary. After you get an immigration bond, your case is still active – and you still need to fight for your right to stay in the country. This may require you to work closely with immigration lawyers and plan the next stage of your overall strategy.
Can a Dallas Immigration Lawyer Help Me Get an Immigration Bond?
A Dallas immigration lawyer may be able to help you secure an immigration bond. These legal professionals understand how this system works, and they can help you navigate it with confidence. Once you are released, it may be easier to pursue positive outcomes during your immigration case. After your lawyer obtains your immigration bond, you can continue to work with them to pursue your goals. To learn more about the potential next steps, contact Presti Law today.