An alien who would otherwise be subject to removal may be granted relief in the form of an opportunity to depart voluntarily from the United States. Voluntary departure requires the alien to leave the United States within a specified period of time, but doing so is not considered a removal, but rather is in lieu of removal, and therefore the alien is not subjected to the severe consequences of departure under a removal order. When other forms of relief, such as cancellation of removal, are unavailable, voluntary departure in lieu of removal may be advantageous.