Originally Posted by You want to go where?

I have to question the logic behind this regulation. If the receiving country is willing to accept the traveler, why does the US government want to make it harder to allow someone who is no longer legally in the U.S. to leave? Forcing them to get a removal order at US taxpayer expense seems the height of bureaucratic nonsense. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the US in practice turns a blind eye to this "infraction" in cases like these - hence the statement of the CBP officer.