Why You Need to Know Your “A” Number

ICE can have thousands of people in custody at any given time so without knowing what your “A” number is it is extremely hard to find out any information about your case or your case could be confused with someone else’s case.  Knowing your “A” number is almost the only way to make sure you, your attorney or your bond agent get the correct information about your case when talking to ICE.

After the interview your immigration officer should give you a document called a Notice To Appear or NTA. This document will contain the immigration charges against you and will help you and/or your lawyer figure out your case and when you need to appear in court. The NTA will also indicate your “A” number, where and how you first entered the US, any allegations made by ICE and any Immigration Law Violations, your right to be represented by an attorney and the consequences if you do not appear at your hearings. This document should be given to you within 72 hours of your arrest. Deportation/removal proceedings begin once the Notice to Appear (NTA) is filed with the Immigration Court.

You should also receive another document called the Notice of Custody Determination or NCD. If a bond amount is indicated on the NCD you will be able to post either a cash bond or a surety bond with the help of a bond agent and be released while your case is being settled.

If the NCD does not show a bond amount, you have the right to appear before an immigration judge to see if he or she will allow bond. There may be up to a 10-day waiting period before seeing a judge.

If you are not allowed to post bond you will be moved to an immigration detention center, a local law enforcement facility or a military base while your case is pending. It is possible you could be transferred out of state and the transfer could take place at any time during the day or night so you should try to keep a copy of all your legal documents with you. If you do not have a copy, ask the detention or jail staff if they can give you your documents before you are transferred.