Blog

Home » Blog » Immigration Bonds » How Much is a Bail Bond for Immigration?

How Much is a Bail Bond for Immigration?

Cost Bail Bond Immigration

After an immigrant is detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, they will be evaluated to determine if they are eligible for release through an immigration bond. Bail bonds for immigration are like bail bonds for traditional jails and allow the detainee to return home while their case processes through the court system. It does not erase the charges against the individual; however, it can be comforting for the immigrant to spend this time with their loved ones and it also allows them to seek the advice of an immigration attorney. This leaves many loved ones optimistic and wondering, “how much is a bail bond for immigration?”. Simply put, the cost of bail bonds for immigration vary, but there are several factors that determine the final figure assigned by ICE or an Immigration Judge.

1. The Type of Bond
When it comes to bail bonds for immigration, there are two different forms of bonds. The most popular one is known as a delivery bond. With a delivery bond, the immigrant is given the opportunity to have their case heard in court before an Immigration Judge. This means that they may be granted permission to remain in the United States at the conclusion of their case, but immigrants are not always successful in receiving this verdict. Despite this, immigrants are granted permission to remain in the country while the case makes its way through court which can be anywhere from several months to several years. Even if the case is not successful in obtaining a longer stay in the United States, this time is valuable to those with family and loved ones that are in the country. Likewise, it gives them time to prepare for a return to their home country and get their affairs in order here. A delivery bond generally starts at a minimum of $1,500 and it will require the immigrant to appear at all mandatory hearings for their case or they risk being detained once again.

The second type of bond is known as a departure bond. With this bond, immigrants agree to leave the country on their own free will. They are not deported and must pay for their own departure. They do not have their case heard before a judge but are given a specific time frame by which they must leave the country. This time is generally between 30 to 90 days and allows the immigrant to make plans for housing or employment in their home country while also getting their affairs in order in the United States. Immigrants often chose this option because it makes it easier to return to the country in the future, whereas a removal (or deportation) makes it nearly impossible. The minimum price of a departure bail bond for immigration is around $500.

2. Criminal History
Another factor that will aid in answering, “how much is bail for immigration?” lies in the immigrant’s criminal history. In some cases, a lengthy criminal history can prevent an immigrant from qualifying for any type of bond; however, it will depend on the type of crimes committed. Those who have minor criminal charges will likely still be deemed eligible for an immigration bond, although the cost of their bond may be higher than someone with no criminal history.

3. Employment/Community Status
If an immigrant has remained steadily employed throughout their time in the United States, this may work in their favor when it comes time to set the amount of a bail bond for immigration. Likewise, if they have strong ties to the community and have proved to be a productive member of society. Those who have remained unemployed or have a less than reputable stance in the community may face higher bond figures.

4. Immigration Status and Family Ties
Although immigrants detained by ICE are typically no longer eligible to reside in the country, their previous immigration status plays a large role in their bond. Those who were within the country legally, i.e. with a work or study visa, will be viewed more favorably than those who are undocumented or those who have been previously deported. In the case of the previous deportation, immigrants can be removed from the United States within hours or days of their initial detainment without the option of a bail bond for immigration or court case. ICE will also take any family ties within the United States into consideration.

5. Flight Risk
This is perhaps one of the biggest determining factors in setting the price of a bail bond. In either case, ICE wants to feel that the immigrant is willing to cooperate with their proceedings. If the immigrant expresses an interest in fleeing, is noncompliant, or otherwise poses a flight risk, they may not be offered a bond at all or the price may be set at the highest end of the spectrum. This applies to both delivery and departure bonds if ICE does not feel that the immigrant will abide by the terms of the bail bond.

If you find yourself questioning, “how much is a bail bond for immigration?” or struggling to come up with the amount required for an immigration bail bond, contact us today for help in getting your loved one released from ICE detainment.