An immigration bond is like a promise you make, saying you'll attend all your immigration hearings if the Department of Homeland Security lets you out of detention. But not everyone gets a bond and some people have to stay in detention no matter what.
If you do qualify for a bond, there are two types:
-
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.
-
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 amount of the bond is decided by a judge. They look at things like your risk of running away, your past with immigration, any criminal record you have, and how much you're tied to the community in the U.S. The bond can be a few thousand dollars or even tens of thousands.
If you think the bond amount is too high, you can ask for a bond redetermination hearing. At this hearing, you or your lawyer can show new evidence or reasons why the bond should be lower. You need to give good reasons and proof that you won't run away and that you'll follow the immigration process.
Immigration rules can be tricky, so learning about the process and getting legal help is really important for the best chance of success.
Last Reviewed: July 24, 2023