Have you been asked to write an immigration reference letter for a family member or wondering if you need one to help your relative’s case? It can be challenging to know how to best craft this letter. An immigration reference letter or character reference letter for immigration is a recommendation letter supporting someone’s immigration application or case. Since judges have discretion in deciding a case’s outcome, it can be beneficial to demonstrate that your relative has positive qualities that would benefit society. Show
How to Write A Letter For Immigration: Family Member’s Deportation Case
The content of an immigration reference letter for a family member will depend on what the purpose is. For example, if a family member asked you’ve to write one to obtain a release on bond or green card deportation, you should highlight that intention. To give you some background, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain someone, the detainee may request a bond hearing. Note: not everyone may be eligible for this, for instance, if they have criminal convictions. In all immigration reference letters for a family member, it is essential to give a brief history of your relationship to the person, emphasize positive qualities, and what future contributions could be expected by them. If the letter is for an employment-based immigration case, it’s better to have an employer or friend who is credible write the letter of recommendation instead. Furthermore, it carries greater weight if the person is already a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Outline of an Immigration Letter of RecommendationSection 1: Greeting and DateExample: Honorable Immigration Judge Section 2: IntroductionIn the letter’s introduction, include the following:
Section 3: Main Body ParagraphsThis is the meat of the letter of recommendation and should be full of information the judge can use to determine the person’s moral character. Use specific examples when possible and comment on the immigrants:
Final Conclusion ParagraphThis is your last chance to connect with the judge reading the letter, so try to communicate with them on a human level through your words. Again, reiterate why the person you’re writing the letter for is an outstanding person whose presence in the U.S. will contribute to the community and society because of their good moral character. Include your contact information and signature to conclude the letter. What to Include in an Immigration Reference Letter for Bond ReleaseBefore an immigration judge agrees to release someone on bond, they will first examine the following:
They need to sift through evidence in the person’s case. One of these is an immigration reference letter from a relative or someone close to the person. So in your immigration reference letter for a family member, explain why it’s a good decision to release them from detention. In addition, explain why the judge should trust them to return to immigration court for their hearing. Tips for Writing a Support Letter for Bond
What is Considered a Hardship?Certain factors demonstrate hardship for qualifying relatives. These could include:
Everyday hardships caused by deportation include family separation, economic or financial challenges, difficulties pursuing employment outside of the U.S., access to medical services/facilities, and challenges adjusting to life outside the U.S. How to Prove Financial HardshipThere are a few ways to prove financial hardship when an immigrant faces deportation. You can prove it with documents like mortgage or rent invoices, tax returns, child care receipts, medical bills, and health expenses. Other Types of Reference Letters: Showing SupportThere are instances unrelated to bond hearings that may necessitate an immigration reference letter for a family member or relative. A waiver support letter is one example. For these types of letters, you also want to describe the types of hardship resulting from the qualifying relatives (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) if the judge or officer does not grant relief. The type of qualifying relatives differs depending on what sort of relief your relative is seeking.
Documents to Prove Familial Relationship
When a judge considers the hardship, they are looking specifically at these qualifying relatives. However, they may consider the hardship to non-qualifying relatives, including adult children, siblings, and grandparents, among others. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on the hardship directly to the qualifying relatives. Below is a sample immigration letter of recommendation for a family member introduction:
Again, the introduction should include who you are in reference to the immigrant (relationship) and some describing character traits. The following paragraphs should provide a strong argument about why the government should grant approval to the immigrant on their immigration case or avoid deportation, including the exceptional hardship (financial, emotional, etc.) to qualifying relatives and specific examples if possible. Immigration Reference Letter Frequently Asked QuestionsHow can I find someone to write my immigration letter of recommendation?The immigration judge will judge not only the words on the page about you but also the writer’s credibility. It is beneficial to have someone reputable write it for you. Good candidates include:
Can a sibling write a character reference letter?Yes, they can, but if possible, it is advised to have someone not in your immediate family write it since relatives are often biased. The person who writes the letter on your behalf should be able to provide specific examples supporting your character and exemplifying the immigration case you’re trying to make. What is the point of an immigration support letter?An immigration support letter is one form of supporting documentation that an immigration judge will look at carefully when deciding on the outcome of your immigration case. In some scenarios, it can significantly tip the scale for the outcome of your case if the letter is compelling. What is a good moral character letter for immigration?Good moral character points to reliability, honesty, trustworthiness, respect for the law, etc. What do I write in an immigration support letter?Your immigration support letter should include:. A signature, printed name, and job title of the supervisor or employer.. The business's contact information.. A business card.. The applicant's job title.. The applicant's salary, employment dates, and a detailed description of duties.. How do I write a letter of recommendation for a friend to immigration?Immigration reference letter for a friend 2022 (guide+5 samples). Gather important details of the applicant.. Write your letter. Your address. Date. Immigration authority address. Subject. First Paragraph/Introduction. Body paragraphs. Closing Paragraphs.. Let your friend verify the letter.. How do I start an immigration letter?In the letter's introduction, include the following:. Your name (the person writing the letter). Relationship to the immigration recipient.. Your legal status.. Other brief background information on yourself you want to include (e.g.., duration of the relationship with the candidate).. How do I write a letter of support for permanent residency?The letter should speak to how you are a good person, and meet the legal test for your application, but it should also contain additional details talking about how long you have been involved in the organization, that you are a valuable and well-liked member of the organization, and what you do for the organization.
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