What Is an Immigration Bond and How Do You Pay It?

Updated on January 29, 2020
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Many people have heard of bail bonds before and have a general understanding of how they work. Immigration bonds, on the other hand, are not as well known. However, they function quite similarly to bail bonds. 

If you or someone you know was detained due to immigration problems, then an immigration bond may be just what you need. Interested in learning more? Continue reading and we’ll walk you through what immigration bonds are and how to pay them.

What is an Immigration Bond?

Like bail bonds, an immigration bond is a type of a surety bond. A surety bond is a contract between a person, a bondsman, and the entity owed money.

Immigration bonds are used for people who are detained by Homeland Security because they are living in the United States illegally. In these situations, an illegal immigrant can utilize the services of a bondsman to pay bail to Homeland Security.

Immigration bonds are unique because they are known as federal civil bonds. The use of the word “federal” means that the federal government regulates this class of bonds. And the word “civil” indicates that no crime was committed. 

Simply living in the United States without proper documentation, although it may be illegal, is not a criminal offense. And thus, a person cannot be handed a criminal charge. 

Someone who does commit a crime and also lives in this country illegally can face criminal charges and jail time. They can also be deported.

A person who is arraigned by the Department of Homeland Security for living in this country illegally can be detained. They can be released from that detention by posting an immigration bond. That person will then be released on bail and can remain in the country until their case is concluded.

How to Pay a Bail Bond

Any person who is legally allowed to live in America can pay the detainee’s bond. In order to receive the immigration bond payments, the payor must contact their local ICE office. 

You would then schedule an appointment at their office in order to pay the bond. It’s important to point out that an immigration bond cannot be paid with a personal check or with cash.

If you’re going to pay the immigration bond with your own money, the best way to do this is to make a cashier’s check out to the “Department of Homeland Security”.

Another option is to contact groups like the US Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services. This organization can provide immigration bonds that can get detainees released. They’re also nationwide, and those in California can learn more at this link.

To pay a bond in this situation, you’ll need to present a valid photo ID and social security card to the organization. After the bond is paid, the government official will let the detention center know. Not long after, the detainee will be released. 

The Importance of Understanding Immigration Bonds 

Understanding what an immigration bond is and how it works is just one of the many tools that people are finding helpful. Now more than ever, the federal government is cracking down on illegal immigration so it’s important to know what your options are. 

Interested in reading other helpful articles? Check out the rest of our blog today!

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.