Фото: Pierre Blaché, unsplash.com
Over the past two weeks, U.S. immigration authorities have detained at least seven Belarusian citizens, the Association of Belarusians in America reported, citing the ByAction initiative.
According to ByAction, the detentions took place in Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Arizona. All those detained arrived in the United States more than two years ago and were in a legal immigration process. All were detained following random vehicle checks. None of those detained has a criminal record.
One person has been released on bail. The others are awaiting bail hearings.
ByAction recommends that Belarusians living in the United States as soon as possible find a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who can act as a sponsor, prepare funds for bail if the sponsor cannot post the full amount, find a lawyer and discuss with them the terms for filing a bail motion, and prepare letters of support from colleagues and friends.
If a foreign national entered the United States through the southern border, the likelihood that a court will deny bail is very high. In that case, one should be prepared to defend their case in an immigration detention facility until the end of the process.