Criminal Bonds vs. Immigration Bonds (What’s the Difference?)

Most people can explain the purpose of a bail bondsmen and the services they provide; however, most believe that an immigration bond would be the same thing. Although the two are quite similar, an immigration bond is very different than a criminal bail bond.

While both an immigration bond and a criminal bond are used to release a person from a detention center, they are used for different types of detainees. A criminal bond is placed on a person who was caught committing a criminal offense, while a person detained by immigration for unlawful entry into the United States is not being charged with a crime. Breaking our country’s immigration laws does not constitute a crime; unless a person is apprehended in an attempt to reenter the U.S. after being deported. When a criminal bail bond is posted, the bond is used to guarantee a defendant’s future court appearances.  That is not the purpose of an immigration bond, specifically an immigration delivery bond.  An immigration delivery bond is used to guarantee an alien’s appearance for their removal proceedings until they are 1) granted residency, 2) deported or 3) leave the country voluntarily and provide valid proof thereof. 

Both criminal and immigration bonds are surety bonds between three parties;

• Principal or Defendant: one who owes obligation
• Obligor: the one who guarantees the principal will fulfill his obligation
• Oblige: the entity to whom the obligation is owed

Most States require immigration bondsman to maintain a property and casualty license (because of the high risk associated with immigration bonds) opposed to just a bail bond license. Immigration bonds are a specialized market and it is always in your best interest to consult an immigration professional prior to making arrangements to post an immigration bond.  Our immigration experts at US Immigration Bonds have been posting immigration bonds for over 20 years, if you have questions or concerns feel free to contact us at 1-800-225-2587 for further information.