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News from and about Ukraine & Ukrainians: Ukrainian Community Press Releases
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BRAMA, March 25, 2001, 8:00am EST
Three Ukrainian nationals released from INS custody
Philadelphia, PA - Three Ukrainian nationals, who were arrested by agents of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Pittsburgh on February 7, were released after posting bond, according to their Philadelphia attorney Andre Michniak. These individuals had been detained at York County Prison where their motions for a bond reduction were heard by an immigration judge. The INS had earlier set a bond of $20,000 for one of the Ukrainians, and $10,000 for each of the other two. After reviewing the motions and listening to their attorney's argument, the judge reduced the bonds for the three to $4,000, $3,500, and $3,500.
"Two of my clients were released on March 9 after the reduced bonds were paid, and the third was released on March 21," said Mr. Michniak. "These three Ukrainians have been charged with violating U.S. immigration law by overstaying their visitor visa status, but the real reason that they were arrested in their shared apartment was because they were employed without permission as asbestos removal workers," commented Mr. Michniak. "It's really quite sad that these individuals had to perform such dangerous work, which few Americans would ever consider doing, and is a reflection on how difficult it is to make a living in Ukraine today," said Mr. Michniak, "but it is a violation of immigration law."
The three Ukrainians will be scheduled for further hearings before the immigration court to review their requests to remain in the United States. "We are exploring all possible avenues of relief for them and will defend them from the harsh consequences of deportation as best we can," concluded Mr. Michniak.
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