A federal immigration judge in Virginia has granted a $5,000 bond to Karliana Perdomo, a women's soccer standout at Cleary University, allowing the 20‑year‑old to remain free while she contests removal from the United States.
Judge James Graulich cited the athlete’s clean criminal record, her graduation from a Detroit high school, an associate’s degree from St. Clair Community College, and deep family ties in Michigan as grounds for the bond, emphasizing that she poses no flight risk.
Perdomo’s attorney, Kevin Piecuch, argued that she has never violated any law, has been contributing positively to her community, and holds work authorization and a pending asylum claim, having fled Venezuela at age 15 before receiving Temporary Protected Status that was later revoked.
The bond hearing was part of a series of virtual proceedings held on June 25, reflecting a broader pattern of immigration adjudications being conducted online amid a backlog of cases.
Her mother, Liliana Gotopo, expressed relief at the decision, saying the family is “holding tight to their faith” and hopeful that the bond will keep the family together while the asylum process continues.
Fundraising Effort
The effort has been led by her teammates, who launched a GoFundMe campaign that had raised nearly $16,000 by Thursday, illustrating the solidarity she enjoys both on the field and within the broader campus community.
Perdomo hopes to complete her degree and continue playing soccer in the United States, a future that now hinges on the outcome of her asylum claim and the continuation of her legal status.