 |
|
In fiscal year 1996, the median amount of immigration bonds was $2,500. During the first ten months of the 2016 fiscal year, the median was $8,000, according to the most recent data available from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.
The number of bonds over $25,000 also increased during that time period. In 1996 just 1.6 percent of all bonds were for more than $25,000. In 2016, 6.5 percent of all bonds granted were for more than $25,000.
It’s not exactly clear why bond amounts are increasing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement that bonds are meant to encourage people to appear in court and are not punitive. A person's flight risk, criminal history and community ties are taken into account when determining the amount of each bond. The agency did not respond to questions about why the amount has increased in the last 20 years.
|
|
|
|
