What’s the Difference Between Departure and Delivery Immigration Bonds?

When an immigrant is arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, an immigration bond is their only opportunity to return home in a timely manner. While being released on a bond does not erase the charges at hand, it provides comfort and normalcy to the immigrant and their families. Because it can take several months or more than a year for a case to conclude, families of immigrants strive to get their loved ones released on bond as quickly as possible. One of the biggest questions they may encounter through this process is: what’s the difference between departure and delivery immigration bonds?

Although both departure and delivery immigration bonds allow an immigrant to be released from ICE custody, they have vastly different outcomes. 

A departure bond starts at a minimum of $500 but can cost upwards of several thousands of dollars. They are reserved for situations where the immigrant agrees to depart the country on their own. Essentially, they require the immigrant to give up the opportunity to have their case heard before an Immigration Judge (IJ). This means that there is no possibility that they will be permitted to remain in the United States.

Despite this, it also means that the charges against them will not be pursued. For those who fear that they will undoubtedly be deported, it is a better option than waiting for a court-ordered removal. For one, it prevents them from having a removal on their permanent record. When removals are on a person’s record, it is impossible for them to ever return to the country in the future. If an immigrant leaves voluntarily, they may be able to return after a significant period of time. Additionally, ICE usually grants immigrants with a departure bond a period of 30-90 days before they must leave. During this time, the immigrant can get their affairs in order in both countries to make the relocation simpler. They do not have this opportunity when they are involuntarily removed from the country. If they fail to leave within the required timeframe, they can be arrested and will forfeit the money paid for the bond. 

A delivery immigration bond, on the other hand, means that the immigrant wishes to fight the charges brought forth against them. Although the process can be lengthy, they will have their case heard in front of an Immigration Judge (IJ). The judge will then determine if the immigrant is permitted to remain in the country or if they will be removed involuntarily. With this type of immigration bond, immigrants must remain cooperative with the ICE agency until the judge makes this decision. They will be required to attend all appointments or court proceedings that may be held until the case concludes. If they fail to appear at the ICE facility, they run the risk of being arrested once again. Likewise, any money paid to secure the immigration bond will be forfeited.

Interested in working with an immigration bond service to secure a departure or delivery bond? Contact US Immigration Bonds today to learn what options are available to you.