1) “Sponsor Letter”: This is an important document that you can give the judge. The sponsor should write a letter that includes:
a. How the sponsor knows the detained person.
b. What legal immigration status the sponsor has (needs to be U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident). The sponsor should also attach proof of their immigration status to the letter.
c. An address where the detainee and the sponsor will live. This has to be a street address, not a P.O. Box. The sponsor must attach a piece of mail with their name and address on it to prove that they’re living at the address. They can use a phone or electric bill with their name and address on it.
d. How they will support detainee if released and any other factors to indicate ties to community.
2) Other Supporting Documents: In order to prepare for your bond hearing, it’s your job to gather as much proof as possible to show the judge that you have strong ties to the community and that you won’t commit any crimes if you’re released. These documents may also be useful for your case beyond the bond hearing. The following are examples of good evidence
a. Any evidence that you are eligible or have a strong case for relief from deportation (I-130 approval notice, evidence of past persecution, etc.)
b. Proof that my close relatives have legal status in the United States (Birth Certificates of US Citizens, Legal Permanent spouse, parent, children)
c. Tax Records
d. Letters of support from as many family members as possible (including drawings from children) and a copy of the identification of the person who wrote the letter.
e. Letters of support from friends and a copy of the identification
f. Letters from people who know me (neighbors, landlord, employer, religious leader, etc.)
g. Letters showing community involvement (church, volunteering)
h. A letter from you reflecting on why you want to stay in the US
i. Proof of financial support my family (rent receipt, child support)
j. Letters from religious organizations I belong to
k. Photos of family (birthday parties, holidays, pets, babies, etc.)
l. Certificates from Rehabilitation Programs
m. Informational Pamphlets on rehabilitation programs in my area (domestic violence, alcohol or drug abuse, anger management)
n. Social Security Records
o. Evidence of property ownership<
p. Certificates, diplomas, awards, etc.
q. Copies of my medical records and my close relatives
r. Copy of my marriage certificate
s. Proof of any debt that I have (mortgage, car loans, medical, etc.)
t. Proof of insurance (car, medical, etc.)
u. Evidence of service in the armed forces
v. Letters from counselors or doctors, describing health problems or trauma showing impact on detainee if he/she was deported.
w. Make sure that each person writing a letter includes a copy of their identification with the letter, including a driver’s license, a permanent resident card, or a passport.
x. If the letters aren’t in English, you’ll need to translate them and include the “Certificate of Translation” that’s at the end of this packet.
y. Ideally, you should make three copies of all original documents. One copy will go to the judge. The other copy will go to the government attorney. You’ll keep the third packet for you. You can either mail your packet to the government attorney and the judge or bring it with you to your hearing.
