Decorated Army Veteran Self-Deports to South Korea After 48 Years in the U.S.
A decorated Army veteran, Sae Joon Park, left his life and family in Hawaii on Monday, embarking on a journey back to South Korea after nearly five decades in the United States. His departure, carried out under the observation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, underscores the complexities and frequently enough heartbreaking consequences of U.S. immigration policy.
Park tearfully bid farewell to his son, daughter, parents, aunts, and friends at Honolulu airport, expressing profound sorrow at the abrupt disruption of his life. “This really kills me that I just have to drop everything and leave like this,” he said in a pre-departure interview with hawaii News Now. “They’re all worried about me… I’m worried about them.”
From Seoul to Service: A Life Built in America
Park’s journey began when he immigrated to the U.S. from seoul at the age of 7, becoming a legal permanent resident through a green card. At 19, he enlisted in the Army, serving during the 1989 conflict in Panama. His bravery in combat was recognized with a Purple Heart after he was shot twice.
“I got shot in the spine with an AK-47, M16 my left lower back,” Park recalled, describing the harrowing experience. “In my mind, I’m going, ‘Oh my god, I’m shot in the back. I can’t feel my legs. I must be paralyzed.'” Remarkably, his dog tag deflected a bullet aimed at his spine, saving his life.
Following an honorable discharge, Park returned to Los Angeles but struggled with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He initially sought relief through marijuana to manage nightmares and sensitivity to loud noises,eventually relocating to Hawaii in 1995 in pursuit of a better lifestyle. However, he later became addicted to crack cocaine, leading to years of struggle.
A Cycle of Addiction, Incarceration, and Deferred Action
In 2009, Park was convicted of drug and bail offenses, resulting in a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Upon his release, ICE agents detained him and revoked his green card. He fought his deportation in court,and his status as a Purple Heart veteran initially allowed him to remain in the U.S. under deferred action, contingent upon annual check-ins and maintaining sobriety.
For 14 years, Park successfully rebuilt his life, becoming a devoted father to his two adult children and a caregiver for his aging parents and aunts, all in their 80s. “Thes last 14 years have been great, like really proud of myself, proud of my kids, how I’ve been acting and how I’ve been living my life,” he stated.
Deferred Action Revoked, Forced Departure
This month, however, officials ended Park’s deferred action status, leaving him with the choice of leaving the country voluntarily or facing detention and forced deportation. He was fitted with an ankle monitor and given three weeks to settle his affairs. The news came as a shock to Park and his family.
“People were saying ‘You took two bullets for this country. Like you’re more American than most of the Americans living in America,'” Park recounted,reflecting on the sentiment expressed by those around him. He expressed deep concern about missing significant life events, such as his daughter’s potential wedding and the possible passing of his parents. “Let’s say [my daughter] gets married, I won’t be there… Let’s say my parents pass away, I won’t be there.”
A question of Patriotism and Immigration Policy
Danicole Ramos, Park’s attorney, argues that his case highlights a basic question about the meaning of American identity and patriotism. “In every sense of him, he is an American but by paper,” Ramos said. “We have a veteran… who took a bullet for this country… and now while we’re celebrating this month and the army, and their birthday, we’re also at the same time, turning our back on some of them that have served in the army.”
Ramos noted that approximately 38% of the U.S. military is comprised of non-citizens, and estimates that thousands of veterans are facing deportation for non-violent crimes. “Mr Park is a victim of this poor system of where we’re not supporting our veterans,” she asserted, calling for Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for veterans like Park and to consider forgiveness for past mistakes in light of their service.
Park acknowledges his past errors but believes his military service deserves consideration. “I get it. I broke the law and everything, but I think this is a little severe what they’re doing to me after I paid my dues,” he said. “I thought I was doing my part to do whatever I have to do to be a good citizen.”
Now, Park is preparing to start anew in a country he hasn’t seen in 30 years, facing the daunting task of rebuilding his life. “I’ll have to relearn everything,” he said.
U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services were contacted for comment and have yet to respond.
The Broader Crisis: Veterans at Risk of Deportation
Sae Joon Park’s story, though unique in its specifics, tragically reflects a larger crisis: the deportation of U.S. military veterans. Across the nation, countless men and women who served their country with valor and distinction are facing the threat of removal from the only home they’ve known. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and advocacy groups are fighting to protect these veterans,recognizing the profound injustice inherent in such decisions. This complex issue underscores the urgent need for extensive immigration reform and a more compassionate approach to those who have risked their lives for the United States.
The U.S. has a history of deporting veterans. Recent data indicates that dozens of veterans face deportation each year [[2]]. Many of these veterans, like Park, have served honorably, yet find their legal status jeopardized due to past mistakes, frequently enough rooted in the challenges of PTSD, substance abuse, or other service-related issues. The situation is further complicated by inconsistencies in the request of immigration laws and the lack of a clear pathway to citizenship for non-citizen veterans.
The Legal and Practical Challenges
One of the primary barriers veterans face is the interpretation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Under the INA, even minor criminal convictions can lead to deportation, and for non-citizens, this can apply retroactively. Frequently enough, veterans find themselves ensnared in a bureaucratic maze, with little recourse to challenge deportation orders. Even with a Purple Heart, as Park had, service isn’t a guarantee, and the legal system is sometimes slow and insensitive to the context of veterans’ struggles after their service.
Moreover, the process can be incredibly isolating. Veterans facing deportation often lack the resources and support they need to navigate the legal system. They may struggle with language barriers, mental health issues, and the stigma associated with their past actions, further compounding their challenges. In addition, organizations and legal aid groups are frequently enough underfunded and overwhelmed by the volume of cases.
Advocates for Change: Pushing for Protection
Danicole Ramos’s call for change is echoed by many. Advocates are pushing for several key reforms. First, they are calling for a clearer pathway to citizenship for non-citizen veterans. the U.S. military includes a significant percentage of non-citizens, who’ve honorably served and deserved a clear route to becoming full citizens. Second, advocates are seeking greater consideration for veterans’ service records when adjudicating immigration cases. This would involve weighing their military contributions more heavily, particularly when considering non-violent offenses. there’s a push for increased funding for legal aid services and mental health support for veterans facing deportation.
Are veterans, like Sae Joon Park, facing deportation because of non-violent crimes? Yes, even those who have bravely served with valor and distinction are threatened with removal from the only home they’ve known. Current law is a barrier, as non-citizens face deportation due to criminal convictions, even minor ones. What can be done to protect veterans from this situation? advocates are pushing for clearer pathways to citizenship, more emphasis on military service in immigration cases, and increased support services for veterans.
key Steps for Veterans Facing Legal Issues
- Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: Consult with an immigration attorney or a veteran’s aid organization as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and their expertise is invaluable.
- Gather Documentation: Compile all relevant documentation, including military records (DD-214), medical records related to PTSD or other conditions, and any records related to past legal issues.
- Explore Available Resources: Reach out to veteran support groups, legal aid organizations, and social service agencies. They can provide crucial assistance.
- Prepare for the Long Haul: Deportation proceedings can be lengthy and complex. Be prepared for a prolonged legal battle.
- Maintain Sobriety: If applicable, remain consistent in recovery efforts if substance use contributed to past legal issues.
- Stay Connected with Family and Community This support is crucial to your mental health in this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
what is “deferred action,” and how does it relate to veterans’ deportation?
Deferred action is a form of prosecutorial discretion that allows certain individuals to remain in the U.S. temporarily, even if they don’t have legal status.While it can provide temporary relief from deportation, it doesn’t grant a path to citizenship and can be revoked at any time, as was the case with Sae Joon Park. [[3]]
Can a Purple Heart or other military honors prevent deportation?
Unfortunately, military honors like the Purple Heart do not automatically prevent deportation. However, it does highlight the veteran’s service and can be a significant factor in influencing judges and immigration officials. Advocates are working to give more weight to military service in immigration decisions.
What is the role of ICE in veteran deportations?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for enforcing U.S. immigration laws, including the deportation of non-citizens who have committed crimes or violated immigration laws. In veteran deportation cases, ICE agents may be involved in detaining veterans and carrying out deportation orders.
How can I help a veteran facing deportation?
Supporting veterans facing deportation can involve a variety of actions. You can contact your political representatives to support legislation, and donate to organizations providing legal services for veterans. Spreading awareness of this issue can also play a crucial role in driving change.
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- Decorated Army Veteran Self-Deports to South Korea After 48 Years in the U.S.
