I have sometimes heard people say that, but have not yet found a documented reference where people would voluntarily for the possibility of having their children sold or being sold themselves and families split, just to prevent removal. Those who were removed were removed with loved ones as intact families.

Those who stayed, I can comprehend their losing "status" as member of their tribe, and being absorbed into the local population as free people of color, but to "Volunteer" to lose all rights, even over your own choice of spouse---has this really been documented?

-Angela-