Having a loved one or family member in a detention center can be a harrowing process. The intricate details can overwhelm you when all you want to do is help. This blog will explain what it means to be an immigration bond sponsor, outline the eligibility requirements, and discuss immigration bond sponsor responsibilities.
What Is an Immigration Bond Sponsor?
An immigration bond sponsor is a person who steps forward to take on the financial responsibility for an immigrant whom U.S. immigration authorities have detained. To fulfill immigration sponsor responsibilities, you are required to post a bond as a monetary assurance for the immigrant’s court appearances and keep them updated on the process. An immigration bond obligor is essentially an immigration bond sponsor. Both terms are used interchangeably.
Am I Eligible to be an Immigration Bond Sponsor?
Before you understand what sponsor responsibility for immigration bonds entail, you need to understand the eligibility requirements. To become an immigration bond sponsor in the United States, individuals must diligently adhere to the requirements established by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These requirements are:
- The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or have lawful permanent residency (green card).
- The sponsor must be 18 years or older.
- The sponsor must prove financial stability. This can be verified through employment records, bank statements, or other financial documents.
- The sponsor must have a valid government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
- The sponsor must have a physical address within the United States and be able to provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- The sponsor must be willing to ensure compliance.
What Documents Do I Need to Be an Immigration Bond Sponsor?
Depending on your status in the U.S., you will need one of these documents from the applicable category.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you need one of the following:
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Birth Certificate
- U.S. Citizen Born Abroad Document
- USCIS Naturalization Certificate
- State-issued Driver’s License
- State-issued ID Card
- Military Identification Card
If you are a legal permanent resident (LPR), you need one of the following:
- Permanent Resident Card/GreenCard
- Military Identification Card
If you are a non-profit organization, you need one of the following:
- Letter of Determination (IRS Letter 947)
- SS4 IRS Notification Letter (EIN approval letter)
- Letter of authorization from the non-profit for representative/obligor posting the bond
- Representative’s identification
If you are a law firm, you need one of the following:
- SS4 IRS Notification Letter (EIN approval letter)
- Letter of authorization from the law firm for the representative/obligor posting the bond
- Representative’s identification
If you are a non-citizen posting a Voluntary Departure (VD) or Order of Supervision Bond, you need one of the following:
- Notice to Appear (Form I-862)
- VD Order (for VD Bond)
- IJ Order (for Order of Supervision Bond)
- Order of Supervision (Form I-220B)
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765)
What Are the Responsibilities of a Sponsor for an Immigrant?
The responsibilities of sponsoring an immigrant for a bond shouldn’t be taken lightly. Immigration bond sponsor responsibilities include taking on financial and moral responsibility for an immigrant detained by immigration authorities. Immigrant sponsor responsibilities are critical in securing the immigrant’s release from detention while their immigration case is being processed. Here’s what it entails:
Paying the Immigration Bond
The most obvious immigration bond sponsor’s responsibility is paying the immigration bond. The immigration sponsor must pay the immigration bond set by ICE. This can be done at an ICE ERO field office or online on the CeBonds portal. This bond serves as a security deposit, ensuring the immigrant will comply with specific conditions, such as attending all court hearings and meetings with immigration officials.
Upon the bond’s payment, the immigrant is released from detention. This allows them to reside within the community while their immigration case is being processed. This process ensures that individuals can continue their lives outside of detention centers while still complying with the legal proceedings surrounding their immigration status.
If the sponsor fulfills their immigrant sponsor responsibilities, they can get a refund for the bond after the immigration bond is cancelled.
Assurance of Compliance
One of the most important immigration bond sponsor’s responsibilities is making sure the immigrant complies with the terms of their release. By willingly posting the bond, the sponsor demonstrates a profound level of trust and support for the immigrant. They must ensure the immigrant will diligently adhere to all legal obligations set forth by the immigration court and ICE. This includes appearing in all court proceedings.
If an immigrant fails to comply with the conditions outlined in their bond, such as not appearing at court hearings as required, it can have significant consequences for both the immigrant and their sponsor. Failing to meet the responsibilities of sponsoring an immigrant the potential loss of the bond money initially paid by the sponsor. This financial risk is a strong incentive for immigrants to adhere to their immigrant sponsor responsibilities during the immigration process.
Immigration sponsor responsibilities require serious commitment. It’s recommended that potential sponsors fully understand the legal and financial implications before proceeding.
Provide Necessities for an Immigrant
Immigration bond sponsor responsibilities include providing the basic necessities required by the sponsored individual and ensuring that they are adequately taken care of throughout their journey. This includes providing essential items such as food, clothing, and occasional transportation to facilitate their integration into a new community.
In some cases, sponsors may also need to provide suitable housing and a stable living environment for the individual.
Offer Support and Guidance
In addition to the financial aspect, sponsors can also play a critical role in supporting immigrants throughout the immigration process. They should help them find competent legal representation if necessary. They must also ensure the immigrant clearly understands their obligations and court dates.
It is the immigration bond sponsor’s responsibility to be able to receive important notifications about legal proceedings on behalf of the detainee. This support not only helps immigrants navigate through the complex legal system but also increases their chances of a fair and successful outcome.
Use an Immigration Bond Services That Makes Things Easier for You
The immigration process is long and stressful. Being apart from a loved one is taxing, and all you want to do is help. Liberty Immigration is an immigration bond service designed to help people like you get relief for detained loved ones quickly. With our online form and simplified system, you can quickly reunite with your loved one.
Need an immigration bond? Get help within minutes.