What You Need to Bring to an Immigration Bond Hearing
Immigration to the United States is a complex process with many procedures that immigrants must follow. Immigrants who don’t follow these procedures could find themselves in custody and facing detention hearings to decide if they are a threat to national security
That’s why documentation is key so that immigrants can attend these hearings prepared. We’ve put together a list of documents you should bring to an immigration bond hearing. Organize these documents ahead of time and the hearing process will go smoothly.
Immigration Bond Defined
Immigration Bonds are funds held by the federal government during an immigrant’s detention hearings. Immigrants deposit these funds to guarantee that they will appear for all court proceedings to receive legal status to live in the United States.
Immigration bonds are necessary if an immigrant commits a crime or comes to this country illegally. Local law enforcement then takes this immigrant into custody and then transfers them to a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement division (ICE), detention center while their case is investigated.
Immigration Bond Hearing Review
The immigration bond hearing is the formal process where a defendant appears before a judge and requests their release from custody while their immigration case is under investigation.
During the hearing, an immigration judge (IJ) will review any evidence you submit to sho you can be trusted to follow through on all proceedings if you’re released.
Some of the factors they will consider include:
Immigration Sponsorship
Immigrants must have a sponsor who already lives in the US. The sponsor must be a legal resident who can support the immigrant during the immigration process.
- Immigrants should ask their sponsor to prepare a sponsor letter that includes the following:
- The sponsor’s home address, phone number and proof that they live there (i.e., utility bill); and
- Description of how the detainee and sponsor know each other.
Family Ties
The IJ will study whether you have family connections in the US. These factors might reveal that you are responsible for taking care of minor children. These ties may also demonstrate that you’re eligible for a marriage-based green card.
Some examples of this evidence can include:
- Letters of support from family members;
- Photos with family members during holidays, birthdays, vacations; and
- Copy of marriage certificate
Employment and Property Ownership
The IJ will consider whether you are a responsible member of the workforce. They also want to see if you will be financially independent to care of yourself.
Examples of this kind of proof include:
- Letter of support from your employer or supervisor;
- Paycheck stubs; and
- Property deeds.
Community Connections
Another way you can show the IJ you are not a risk is to demonstrate your community ties. This evidence can show the judge how personally invested you are in your town.
Some examples of evidence you can collect to prove these ties include:
- Letters of support from personal friends or community members who know you (religious leaders, neighbors); and
- Letters describing volunteering activities or church membership.
Next Steps
If you have an immigration bond hearing scheduled soon, it’s your job to collect as much proof as you can to show the judge that you are not a risk. Talk to your friends, neighbors and employer. Ask them to write letters of support for you.
Don’t forget to check our website for more information about understanding immigration bonds. Contact us today for a free consultation and we’ll help you with this daunting task.