What is a requirement for an alien seeking voluntary departure regarding physical residence?

For an alien seeking voluntary departure from the United States, having a physical residence in the country for at least one year is a requirement. This stipulation is in place to ensure that individuals have established some level of ties to the community and are not merely passing through or transient. A longer duration of residence can also indicate that the individual has assimilated to some extent and may warrant consideration for a more favorable outcome in their immigration situation.

The requirement serves to assess the alien's connection to the U.S., which could be relevant in the context of their request for voluntary departure, potentially affecting the outcome based on factors like family ties, community involvement, or personal circumstances that would make leaving the U.S. more disruptive for them.

In contrast, other options suggest varied durations or circumstances that do not align with the legal framework. For instance, being a permanent resident or merely recording an address does not meet the specific criteria for voluntary departure. Additionally, a minimum six-month residency is less than the one-year requirement, and therefore does not satisfy the legal standard.