An immigration bond is like a promise to attend your immigration hearings if you get out of detention. You pay a bond to the government. If you attend all your hearings and follow the rules, you get your bond money back. But the government keeps some people in detention with no opportunity to pay a bond.
There are two types of bonds:
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Delivery Bond: If they give you this bond, you can leave detention as long as you show up for all your immigration hearings and ICE check-ins. It's a chance for you to work with an immigration lawyer to build your case and talk to a judge about your situation.
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Voluntary Departure Bond: With this bond, you can leave the country on your own within a specific time. If you go on time, they'll give you back the bond money. But if you don't leave, you'll lose the money and may face more trouble.
The judge decides the amount of the bond. They consider your risk of running away, your past with immigration, any criminal records, and your community ties. The bond can be a few thousand dollars or tens of thousands.
If the bond is too high, you can ask for a bond redetermination hearing. At this hearing, you or your lawyer show new evidence or reasons why the bond should be lower. You need to give good reasons and proof that you'll follow the immigration process.
Immigration rules can be tricky, so learn about the process. Get legal help if you can, for the best chance of success.
Última revisión: July 24, 2023