Through a grant of voluntary departure, an otherwise deportable alien may depart the United States without the stigma and legal consequences that would attach to a compulsory removal order. There are two standards for voluntary departure, depending on whether permission to leave voluntarily is sought before or after removal proceedings against the alien are completed. If voluntary departure is sought before proceedings are initiated (e.g., upon the alien being arrested by an immigration enforcement officer) or completed, the only criminal disqualification is for conviction of an aggravated felony (terrorist activities are also disqualifying). If voluntary departure is sought after removal proceedings are completed, the alien must not have been convicted of an aggravated felony and must also have been a person of good moral character for at least five years preceding.