Character reference letter for immigration court (with sample)

This is information, not legal advice.

This guide explains the general rules. What they mean for your family member depends on their circumstances. Answer a few questions to check their situation.

What a character letter does in immigration court

At a bond hearing the immigration judge decides whether release would be a danger to people or property and whether the person is likely to appear for future hearings. A character letter speaks to both, from someone who has seen how the person works, keeps commitments and treats others. Later, the same letters support discretionary decisions in the deportation case, such as cancellation of removal, voluntary departure or asylum.

Many people searching for this are applying for citizenship. Those letters address “good moral character,” a specific legal test. That is explained in good moral character letters.

Who should write one

• An employer or supervisor: dates of work, role, reliability, whether the job is waiting.
• A pastor, imam, rabbi or other religious leader: how long the person has been part of the community and what they do there.
• A teacher, coach or school staff member who knows them as a parent.
• A counselor or program leader if they completed treatment, classes or community service.
• A landlord or long-time neighbor: years at the address, how they live.

Three to five strong character letters, alongside the family’s letters of support and the sponsor letter, cover most bond packets.

What makes it persuasive

• The writer’s standing. Their full name, role, organization and contact information. Letterhead helps; a phone number matters more.
• How long and how well they know the person. “I have supervised José for seven years” is evidence. “I have heard good things” is not.
• Two or three concrete examples. Trusted with keys and cash, trained new workers, organized the food drive, never missed a shift.
• Honesty about the record. If the judge will see an arrest or conviction, a writer who knows about it and describes what has changed is the most persuasive letter in the packet.
• No immigration status. The letter does not need to mention the writer’s status, the company’s, or anyone else’s.

Sample character reference letter

[Letterhead, or the writer’s name, title, organization, address, phone]
[Date]

Dear Immigration Judge,

My name is [name], and I am [title] at [organization] in [city]. I am writing about [full name], A-number [000-000-000], whom I have known for [number] years as [their employee / a member of our congregation / a parent at our school].

[Two or three specific examples of their conduct, with rough dates: responsibilities you trusted them with, how they treat coworkers or neighbors, commitments they kept.]

[If relevant: I am aware that [first name] was [arrested / convicted] in [year] for [what]. Since then I have seen [specific evidence of change].]

[If an employer: [First name]’s position is waiting for them. / If a community leader: our community expects them back.]

Please contact me at [phone or email] if you have any questions.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signature: ____________________
[Printed name, title]

How to ask someone for a letter

Asking an employer or a pastor cold, often in a second language, is where many packets stall. Send a short request that says exactly what you need and by when. For example:

Hello,

I am writing about [name], who works with you. They are being held by immigration, and a judge will decide whether they can be released while their case goes on.

Would you write a short letter, on your letterhead if you have it, that says that [name] works for you and since when, what they do, that the job is there for them when they are released, and your name, title and phone number? Three or four sentences is enough. It does not need to say anything about anybody’s immigration status. Please sign and date it.

Their hearing is [date], so I need it before then. Thank you.
[Your name]

Change the second paragraph for a pastor or teacher: how long they have known the person, how the person takes part, and that the community expects them back.

Format and filing

• One page, signed by hand in ink, dated. No notary needed.
• A copy of the writer’s photo ID or business card, if they are willing.
• Not in English? File it with a full English translation and a signed translator’s certificate (8 C.F.R. § 1003.33).
• The writer sends it to the family, not to the judge. It is filed as an exhibit in the bond packet with a copy to the government lawyer. See sample motion for a bond hearing.

Questions people also ask

Who should write a character reference letter for immigration court?

People outside the family who know the person well and whose role means something: an employer or supervisor, a pastor or religious leader, a teacher or coach, a landlord, a long-time neighbor, a counselor from a program they completed.

What is the difference between a character letter and a letter of support?

A letter of support usually comes from family and focuses on relationships, the home and the plan after release. A character letter focuses on conduct: honesty, work, responsibility, how the person treats others. A packet benefits from both.

Should a character letter mention the person’s criminal record?

If there is one the judge will see, yes, briefly. A writer who knows about it and can describe real change since then is far more persuasive than one who seems unaware of it.

Is a character letter for immigration court the same as one for citizenship?

Similar in form, different in purpose. For naturalization, letters address good moral character over the statutory period. In immigration court they address danger, flight risk and discretion. See good moral character letters for the legal standard.

See what their case needs

Check your family member’s situation to see which release options may apply, what to do next, and which documents to gather.