Property Collateral
If an immigration bond has already been set and you don't want to provide the full bond amount in cash, a qualifying house may be used as collateral.
Checking the property is at no cost, usually takes 1-2 hours, and does not commit you to moving forward.
Can My House Qualify?
We look at the overall property—not just the equity.
What gets reviewed:
A property can sometimes qualify even when the available equity is less than the full bond amount.
We use property and title resources to review the estimated value, ownership, mortgages and other liens.
A house with a mortgage can qualify. All property owners and required spouses must participate and sign, including a spouse when required even if that spouse is not listed on the deed. Property taxes and required insurance must be current.
State Rules
Property rules vary by state. Some homes may not qualify because of state homestead or lien laws. We'll review the property and let you know before you make any commitment.
Prefer to use cash?
See Cash CollateralWhat Does It Cost?
There is no cost for the initial property review. The review doesn't commit you to moving forward.
Example for a $10,000 Bond
You don't have to provide the full bond amount in cash. That's the main difference from the cash collateral option.
The property owner is responsible for the local county recording fee when the Satisfaction or release document is eventually recorded. A notary may also charge their normal fee.
What Happens to My House?
You keep ownership
The house is not transferred to anyone.
You keep living there
You can continue living in the home while the bond is active.
A security document
Secures the bond depending on your state.
If the owner later wants to sell the property, the collateral obligation must be satisfied so the lien can be resolved.
Refinancing may be possible without satisfying the collateral obligation, but it depends on the loan and lien requirements. Each case is reviewed individually.
The Property Review
Fast, at no cost, and no obligation.
The initial short form asks for basic information:
Most reviews are completed within 1-2 hours. There is no cost and no commitment.
The Document Process
After the property is approved:
We prepare the agreement documents
Amistad prepares the bond application and agreement documents electronically.
We email you the security document
We prepare and email you the completed Deed of Trust or security document with instructions.
Print and sign before a notary
Print the document single-sided. All required owners and spouses sign before a notary.
Scan it back to us
Scan the notarized document back to Amistad. We review it to make sure it was completed correctly.
Send the original via FedEx
We provide a prepaid FedEx label. Drop off the original and send us proof that FedEx has scanned the package.
We proceed with the bond
Once remaining requirements are complete, we proceed with the bond. We handle the county recording process.
What Happens If the Bond Is Breached?
The property secures the bond obligation. If ICE declares the bond breached, an amount may become due under the agreement and the property collateral may be at risk. Amistad seeks to work with the family to resolve the situation, but the property is at risk if the bond is not resolved.
How the Lien Is Released
After ICE cancels the bond and the agreement requirements have been completed:
We arrange the release document
We arrange for the Satisfaction or release document to be prepared.
We mail it to you
We mail the document directly to the property owner.
Take it to the county recording office
The owner takes the document to the Register of Deeds or appropriate county recording office.
Pay the local recording fee
The owner pays the local county recording fee.
The county releases the lien
The county records the Satisfaction and releases the lien from the property record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Check Your Property?
The review is at no cost with no obligation. Call with whatever information you have.
See how the immigration bond process works.
Amistad Bail Bonds provides immigration bond services and is not a law firm. Bond eligibility and amounts are determined by DHS, ICE, or an immigration judge. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice about an individual case.