What might prompt an individual to seek voluntary departure?

An individual may seek voluntary departure primarily to avoid the potentially severe consequences associated with deportation. When an individual is facing removal from the United States, opting for voluntary departure allows them to leave the country of their own accord rather than through the enforcement of a deportation order. This route provides the individual with a sense of control over their circumstances and may mitigate the long-term impact that a formal removal could have on their ability to return to the U.S. in the future. By choosing voluntary departure, individuals often aim to secure a more favorable legal standing and reduce the chances of being barred from re-entry, which can result from formal deportation proceedings. Overall, this option serves as a strategy for individuals to maintain some level of agency over their immigration status.