User Question: Hello. I came to the USA by border and applied for defensive asylum in immigration court. The judge gave me three master hearings and each time told me that I should seek asylum in another country because I don’t have enough evidence. My question is, can I leave the USA just by buying a ticket, or do I need to do some paperwork first?

Expert Answer: If you have an active asylum case in immigration court, you cannot simply leave by buying a ticket. You may need to notify the court and file a motion to **voluntarily withdraw** your asylum application or request **voluntary departure** to avoid a removal order. Leaving without proper documentation could result in future immigration consequences. It’s best to consult an attorney before making any decisions.