Heartfelt Sacrifice: Purple Heart Army Veteran Returns to Homeland After Nearly 50 Years in America

A Veteran’s Journey: From Service to Self-Deportation

Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old U.S. Army veteran, faced an emotional crossroads when immigration authorities told him he had to leave the country. He didn’t fear death in combat or the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was leaving the U.S., his home for nearly 50 years, that hit him the hardest.

This month, Park made the difficult decision to self-deport to South Korea. His deportation stemmed from a long-standing removal order linked to drug possession charges and missing court dates over 15 years ago—issues rooted in his untreated PTSD.

Park’s experience sheds light on the struggles faced by noncitizen veterans in the legal system, especially following recent hardline immigration policies. “I can’t believe this is happening in America,” he told NPR. “This is the country I fought for.”

Growing Up and Joining the Army

Park came to the U.S. from South Korea at age 7, joining his mother in Miami before moving to Los Angeles. During his youth, he lacked positive role models but found inspiration in his uncle, a South Korean military officer. After high school, Park enlisted in the U.S. Army, hoping to find direction and serve his country.

Upon completing basic training, he was deployed to Panama and became part of the 1989 U.S. invasion aimed at ousting Manuel Noriega. During an ambush, Park was shot in the back, marking the beginning of his struggles with PTSD—a condition he didn’t understand at the time.

The Toll of War and Substance Abuse

Despite being honorably discharged and awarded a Purple Heart, Park’s mental health deteriorated. “I was suffering from PTSD severely,” he recalled. He faced nightmares and constant anxiety but didn’t seek help. Instead, he turned to drugs, hoping to escape the pain.

Over the years, Park battled addiction and faced legal troubles that ultimately impacted his chance for U.S. citizenship. He was arrested in New York and skipped out on court, leading to charges that barred him from naturalization.

The Final Decision

For over a decade, Park managed to stay in the U.S., living in Hawaii and working while raising his children. However, an annual immigration check-in this month shifted everything. Park was informed he would be detained unless he left voluntarily.

With heavy heart, he booked a flight and spent his last days saying goodbye to family and friends, reflecting on his life. “I have to accept that this is probably the last time I’ll see her,” he said, referring to his elderly mother.

On departure day, Park hugged his loved ones tightly and boarded the plane filled with mixed emotions, leaving behind the country he had fought for.

Perspectives and Statistics

The plight of veterans like Park raises critical questions about legal protections for noncitizen service members. According to a recent report from the American Civil Liberties Union, around 94% of veterans receive citizenship after serving, while those with legal challenges often face severe consequences. It highlights the need for better support systems and legal pathways for noncitizen veterans who’ve put their lives on the line.

“I don’t regret joining the military or getting shot,” Park reflected. “It’s part of my journey and has shaped who I am today.”

For more insights on veterans’ issues, you can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This story is a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and veteran affairs, and the personal narratives that lie within.

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