Certain aliens are given the option of “voluntary departure.” This means they are
permitted to leave the United States voluntarily (in lieu of having a removal order
issued against them) if they have the resources to make the trip abroad and they depart
within a certain specified time. Those who accept this option and leave on time are
not considered by DHS to have been removed. However, be sure to consider the application
of the Alien Non-Payment Provisions (See RS 02610.000.)
Aliens who leave the United States on their own while under a formal order of removal
and without having been given the option of “voluntary departure” are generally considered
to have removed themselves and are subject to suspension under the SSA removal provisions
(section 202(n)) as long as they were not ordered removed under grounds that except
them from suspension (see RS 02635.001D.1. EXCEPTIONS).