Exploring the Best Immigration Bond Options for Detained Immigrants

After being arrested and detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, many immigrants are unaware of what comes next. This uncertainty is often described as the worst part of being detained as individuals and their families wait in limbo for the next steps. For many, an immigration bond hearing presents an opportunity for release shortly afterward, but this joy is often short-lived due to financial constraints. By exploring the best immigration bond options, detained immigrants and their families can make an informed decision on how to proceed.

Consider Eligibility and Cost to Determine the Best Immigration Bond Options

Before diving deep into the best immigration bond options, it is essential to remember that all situations are unique. Some immigrants may face exponentially higher bail bond costs than others, while those with criminal histories may not be eligible for release at all. These individual factors should be considered first and foremost when deciding which bond option is best. Likewise, the financial situation of the immigrant and their family should play a role in the decision. If a family cannot afford to pay the bond in full, for example, a bond service may be a better option than trying to come up with the cost to pay in full through the ICE agency.

Delivery Bonds

When an immigrant is eligible for a delivery immigration bond, it means that the ICE agency believes that they will abide by the terms of the bond and return to court or the agency as mandated. This agreement is secured by providing collateral in the form of money that directly correlates to a risk assessment performed by the agency. For example, an immigrant who is a mother with small children, no criminal history, and an expired Visa will be viewed as a much lower flight risk than an immigrant with no family connections in the country and prior criminal charges. The mother may receive a delivery bond for $1,500 while the other immigrant may need to pay a heftier bond of $10,000 or more. If their loved ones are willing and able to pay these sums in full to ICE, they can do so and will be released shortly afterward.

If they abide by the terms of their bond and appear as necessary, their loved ones will be eligible to receive an immigration bond refund once the case concludes in court. If not, the funds are forfeited, and the immigrant will be arrested once again.

Voluntary Departure Immigration Bonds

A voluntary departure immigration bond is much different from a delivery bond because it requires the immigrant to leave the country. They can do so voluntarily and make their own arrangements within a specified timeframe (typically 1-3 months). While it is not ideal for many immigrants, it does allow them to prevent a ban on future re-entry if they were to be deported through the U.S. court system. Likewise, it allows them to have time to prepare for travel and moving their belongings. The cost of a departure bond is often lower than that of a delivery bond but will still primarily depend on the circumstances and the immigrant’s history. Again, loved ones can pay this bond directly to ICE if they are not opposed to working with the agency and can pay the full amount.

Immigration Bond Services

An immigration bond service can be used for either type of immigration bond. The difference is that loved ones are not required to work directly with the ICE agency and they do not have to pay in full before their loved one is released. Instead, a 2% surety bond can be purchased which only requires a small portion of the total bond cost to be paid along with a form of collateral. Because working with ICE is often time-consuming and emotional, a bond service is often the most comfortable option for families of detained immigrants.

Need more help in selecting the best immigration bond options for your loved one? Contact US Immigration Bonds today to learn how we can help.