Bond letters and hardship letters
Immigration letters usually support one of two requests, and the lawyer will tell you which one yours is for.
A bond letter supports a request to release someone from immigration detention while the case goes on. Like a bail letter, it shows that the person is not a danger and will come to every hearing: where they would live, their work, their family and the help you will give.
A hardship letter supports a request to stay in the United States, such as cancellation of removal or a waiver. It describes what would happen to the person’s close family if they had to leave, with specific facts about health, money, school and care. Guidance from immigration authorities says the usual pain of a family being apart is not enough on its own, which is why specific facts matter. The lawyer decides which family members and which facts count for the case.
How to address the letter
Address the letter to “Honorable Immigration Judge”, as the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center advises, and add the judge’s name if the lawyer gives it to you. Put the date at the top and the person’s full name on a “Re:” line.
What to include
Immigration letters carry a few parts that other character letters don’t, and the lawyer will say which ones they need.
- Your full name, address and what you do.
- Your own immigration status, for example US citizen or permanent resident.
- How you know the person and for how long.
- Specific moments and facts you have seen yourself.
- For a bond letter, where the person would live and how you will help them get to hearings.
- For a hardship letter, who depends on the person and how.
- Your signature and the date.
The sworn line
Immigration letters often end with a signed statement such as “I swear that the foregoing is true and correct.” Adding that line means you are swearing to everything in the letter, so a false statement becomes far more serious. Only add it when every word is true and you have checked it.
Having the letter notarized can help but is not required, according to the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. Ask the lawyer whether they want it.
ID copy and translation
If you can, include a copy of an ID that shows your status, such as a US passport or green card. Ask the lawyer first, since they decide what is filed with the court.
If English is not your first language, you can write the letter in your own language. It then needs an English translation with a signed certificate from the translator saying the translation is accurate.
Where to send it
Give the letter, and any ID copy or translation, to the person’s immigration lawyer. The lawyer decides what to file and when. If you’d like help, our questions for an immigration letter include your status and the sworn line, and show your answers as a letter.
Questions
How do you address a letter to an immigration judge?
Write “Honorable Immigration Judge” on the address line, followed by the judge’s name if you know it. Put the date at the top and the person’s name on a “Re:” line.
Does an immigration character letter need to be notarized?
No, it is not required. Notarizing can help, so ask the lawyer whether they want it.
Can I write an immigration letter if I am not a US citizen?
Yes. State your own status honestly in the letter, and ask the lawyer whether a letter from you is right for the case.
Can I write my immigration letter in Spanish?
Yes. Write it in the language you know best, and attach an English translation with a signed certificate of translation.