Voluntary departure
Definition
In U.S. immigration law, a procedural option allowing certain non-citizens facing removal to leave the country voluntarily at their own expense within a specified timeframe, thereby avoiding a formal deportation order and its long-term penalties like inadmissibility bars.
More broadly, the act of departing from a place or situation entirely of one's own free will, without external pressure or compulsion.
Examples
Faced with a stack of paperwork taller than the Statue of Liberty, Javier opted for voluntary departure and turned his exit into an impromptu beach vacation.
Voluntary departure was the classy choice for Elena, sparing her the indignity of a full ICE escort while she plotted her triumphant return.
After the judge offered voluntary departure, Marco quipped that it was like being invited to leave the party before the cops showed up.
She chose voluntary departure over fighting a losing battle, packing her dreams into a suitcase and heading home with style intact.