Facing voluntary departure can be stressful and confusing. At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, our mission is to reunite families and keep them together. We understand the challenges of leaving the U.S. voluntarily and navigating the consequences afterward. Whether you need guidance from an immigration attorney in Phoenix, a deportation defense lawyer, or an ICE detention lawyer, we are here to provide support, advice, and aggressive advocacy. This guide explains the process after voluntary departure and how to protect your rights.
Understanding Voluntary Departure
Voluntary departure is a legal option that allows someone to leave the U.S. at their own expense before a formal removal order is entered. This option can be granted either before removal proceedings conclude or after proceedings, but before a removal order is finalized. Voluntary departure prevents a formal removal order from appearing on your record, which can impact your future eligibility for immigration benefits. Choosing voluntary departure should always be evaluated with an immigration attorney in Phoenix or a deportation defense lawyer.
At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we treat every client like family. Our team fights aggressively for the Spanish-speaking community in Arizona, ensuring that families are protected and reunified whenever possible.
Voluntary departure requires filing a request with an immigration judge or ICE officer, receiving approval for a specific departure date, and leaving the U.S. at your own expense.
For example, hypothetically, “Ana” has a removal hearing scheduled. Her deportation defense lawyer recommends voluntary departure to avoid a formal removal order. She is given 60 days to leave. By leaving on time, she maintains eligibility for certain immigration benefits in the future.
Immediate Steps After Voluntary Departure
Leaving on time is crucial. Failure to comply has serious consequences. Your voluntary departure automatically becomes a formal removal order, and you may face bars to re-entry of 3 or 10 years, depending on prior unlawful presence. Always travel with proof of departure, including boarding passes, passport stamps, and airline tickets. As your ICE detention lawyer or deportation defense lawyer, we ensure all records are properly documented to protect your future immigration status.
Maintaining accurate records is vital. Keep copies of exit stamps, travel tickets, and other proof of leaving. These documents are important for future immigration applications and help your immigration attorney in Phoenix demonstrate that you complied fully with voluntary departure. Proof of departure can prevent future complications if you apply for visas, green cards, or other immigration benefits. At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we make sure every detail is recorded to protect your family.
Long-Term Consequences of Voluntary Departure
Voluntary departure avoids a formal removal order, but it does not erase all immigration consequences. Less than one year of unlawful presence results in a 3-year bar to re-entry, while one year or more results in a 10-year bar. Future re-entry may require filing Form I-212 for permission to reapply.
While voluntary departure avoids formal removal, it does not guarantee eligibility for adjustment of status, cancellation of removal, or other forms of immigration relief. At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, our deportation defense lawyers ensure you understand all potential barriers and prepare a strategy that maximizes your future options. And you can always reach us to review your case. Contact us
Why You Need an Immigration Attorney Phoenix
Our immigration attorney Phoenix’s expertise ensures you understand voluntary departure fully. A deportation defense lawyer protects your rights during removal proceedings, and an ICE detention lawyer ensures detention cases are handled professionally. Our mission is clear: to reunite families and keep them together, provide aggressive, innovative litigation that impacts not just clients but the broader Latino community, and treat every client like family, not just a case number.
We also provide strategic planning for the future. We evaluate your eligibility for visas or adjustment of status, plan for safe re-entry after voluntary departure, file waivers like Form I-212 if needed, and help avoid mistakes that could trigger permanent bars.
Checklist for After Voluntary Departure
Here’s what you should do after leaving the U.S.:
- Keep proof of departure, including boarding passes, exit stamps, and travel tickets.
- Stay outside the U.S. until eligible to return legally.
- Track time bars (3-year or 10-year).
- File Form I-212 for permission to reapply if needed (uscis.gov).
- Avoid unauthorized re-entry.
- Maintain contact with your deportation defense lawyer or ICE detention lawyer for guidance.
Why Families Choose Ybarra Maldonado Law Group
Our team is mission-focused on reuniting families and keeping them together. We serve the Spanish-speaking community in Arizona with aggressive representation, treating every client like family. From voluntary departure to immigration consultation, removal defense, and ICE detention support, we provide comprehensive legal services and fight cases that impact not just individual families but the wider Latino community.
Conclusion
Voluntary departure can protect your family and future immigration options, but timely action and careful planning are critical. At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, our immigration attorney in Phoenix, deportation defense lawyer, and ICE detention lawyer expertise ensures families remain united.
Contact us today for a confidential immigration consultation. Let our team guide, protect, and fight for your family. With Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, you’re not just a client—you’re family.
Your First Step: Gather all documentation related to your case. Once you have your documents ready, contact us to schedule a consultation so we can review your situation and determine the best steps forward.
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Disclaimer: Please note that this does not constitute legal advice, and the content shared here is for informational purposes only.