What is “voluntary departure” in an immigration court?

Voluntary departure is a type of immigration proceeding that allows individuals to leave the U.S. voluntarily prior to their deportation hearing. In other words, it is a form of self-deportation. In Texas, when someone is ordered to leave the U.S. voluntarily but fails to do so, the person may be denied access to a formal deportation hearing. In Texas, voluntary departure is offered to those who have been determined to be in the U.S. without legal status by an immigration judge. If the individual chooses this option, they are required to leave the U.S. within a certain period of time, usually 30 to 60 days after their hearing. Individuals who decide to accept voluntary departure are required to depart the U.S. at their own expense and without an order from an immigration judge. The individual must also present themselves at a designated port of entry, or to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to confirm their departure. Individuals who choose voluntary departure usually benefit by avoiding a formal removal order. This means that their deportation will not be reported as a formal deportation, which allows them to reapply for a visa in the future. This is particularly helpful for those facing criminal charges in the U.S., as they may be able to avoid a deportation order and the accompanying criminal conviction. In Texas, individuals facing deportation are encouraged to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can help them determine if voluntary departure is the best option for them. Understanding the immigration law can be difficult, so an attorney can provide guidance and help the individual make the most informed choice.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

La "salida voluntaria" en un tribunal de inmigración es una opción donde un extranjero puede pedir al tribunal que lo deje salir de Estados Unidos dentro de un plazo específico sin que esa salida sea considerada una deportación. La salida voluntaria es un tipo de acuerdo de no iniciación de procedimientos de deportación que, al prestarse a salir del país, el extranjero se libre de la posibilidad de una deportación en su expediente. El extranjero debe de pagar el costo de su salida voluntaria. La salida voluntaria es una opción para aquellos extranjeros que buscan evitar la deportación, ya que no tienen una base legal para permanecer en Estados Unidos y que desean salir del país por su cuenta en lugar de ser deportado. La salida voluntaria también se conoce como “acuerdo para salir voluntariamente” o “salida acordada”. Es importante tener en cuenta que la salida voluntaria no puede ser pedida si el extranjero enfrenta cargos criminales o si ese extranjero ha tenido una deportación en el pasado. Además, puede haber restricciones para regresar a Estados Unidos después de una salida voluntaria. Es probable que el extranjero tenga que esperar un determinado número de años antes de volver a entrar al país. Por lo tanto, es importante que el extranjero busque la asesoría de un profesional de inmigración antes de considerar la salida voluntaria como su única opción para evitar una deportación.

Related FAQs

What is an Administrative Removal Order?
What is a Notice of Action (NOA)?
What is an Order of Supervision?
How can an immigration lawyer help me?
What is a Motion to Reconsider?
What is a Notice of Intent to Deport?
What is a Reentry Permit?
What are the requirements for an Adjustment of Status?
How do I prepare for an immigration court hearing?
What is a voluntary surrender of removal?

What is “voluntary departure” in an immigration court?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts