What Is an Immigration Bond

An immigration bond is a type of bail that can be posted to ensure that a non-citizen shows up for his or her court date. It's also called a "deportation bond."

A person who has been arrested for being in the country illegally may be eligible to post an immigration bond. The amount of the immigration bond will vary depending on many factors.

In 2019 alone, around 143,000 immigrants were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It's a scary time when a loved one is in custody, but the good news is that they may be eligible for an immigration bond. 

So, what is an immigration bond and how does it work?

A bond is a type of bail that can be posted to ensure that a non-citizen shows up for his or her bond hearing or court date. It's also called a "deportation bond" and is typically paid to ICE.

A bond can be posted in one of two ways:

1) A non-citizen can pay the full amount up front; or,

2) A non-citizen can pay a small fee to an immigration bondsman, who will then post the full bond amount.

The fee that must be paid to the bondsman is 10% of the full bond amount. In other words, if a non-citizen is eligible for a $10,000 bond and has to pay an immigration bondsman $1,000 to post it

We're here to help you answer those questions. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide to immigration bonds so you're equipped with the proper knowledge to help your detained loved one. 

What is an Immigration Bonds?

While immigrants aren't US citizens, it's important to know that they still have certain rights. One example is the right to an immigration bond. 

Simply put, an immigration bond is a financial payment that secures the release of a person currently detained by ICE. However, once released on an immigration bond, it does not signal the end of the deportation case. 

One of the contingencies of an immigration bond is that the immigrant being released agrees to attend all court hearings and adhere to their judge's orders. 

The amount of the immigration bonds are set by the Department of Homeland Security and it can vary depending on the particulars of the case. However, the minimum amount is $1,500. 

Generally, if a detainee is a flight risk, the bond amount will be higher.

How Does an Immigration Bail Bond Work?

A detainee will need someone who is over 18 and with legal status in the US to pay the immigration bond. This person acts as an obligor. The obligor will also be responsible for filling out any related paperwork that ICE requires for the bond release. 

Please note that immigration bail bonds cannot be paid in cash or personal check.

Once you fulfill the payment and paperwork requirements, the detainee will be released. Although, be aware that the process can take some time.

You can check on the status of the immigration case at any time. 

What Collateral is Needed for an Immigration Bond?

In order to secure an immigration bond from a bond agency, you'll need to put down some collateral. This acts as security for the bond since you're putting something of value on the line in exchange for the bond money. 

Property, cash, land, and credit cards are examples of the types of collateral that would be accepted by a bond agency. 

You'll receive your collateral back once the immigration case comes to an end. 

Who Qualifies for an Immigration Bond?

A detainee is eligible for an immigration bond if he or she can prove that they are not a flight risk or danger to the community upon release. 

In some cases, when a detainee has past criminal convictions, ICE may refuse an immigration bond, because the person in custody could be considered high risk.

If you have questions about your loved one's immigration bond eligibility, you might consider talking to an immigration lawyer for more information. 

What Happens Next?

Now that you know the answer to the question, "What is an immigration bond?" you're better equipped to help your detained loved one. Once released from immigration court, they will need to attend every future court hearing or risk immediate deportation. 

We know it is a scary and stressful time. If you have additional questions, our agents are here to help you through the process from start to finish.