What is "voluntary departure" in immigration?

Voluntary departure refers to the process that allows an individual to leave the United States on their own accord, typically as an alternative to formal removal or deportation. This option is often available to those who are in removal proceedings and wish to depart the country without having a formal order of removal on their record. By opting for voluntary departure, individuals can avoid the negative consequences that come with a deportation order, such as being barred from re-entering the U.S. for a specific period.

This option provides individuals with the flexibility and opportunity to make their own arrangements for departure, which can be beneficial in terms of planning and future immigration endeavors. Moreover, it generally enables the individual to depart in a more dignified manner, without the stigma of a removal process.

In contrast, mandatory removal involves enforcement actions taken by immigration authorities, which do not provide the same level of choice or control to the individual. Programs aimed at assisting asylum seekers or proposed legal mechanisms to defer deportation do not accurately define voluntary departure as it is specifically focused on the individual's autonomy in leaving the country.