### A Veteran's Heartbreaking Return: Sae Joon Park's Self-Deportation After 50 Years in the U.S. - Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, self-deported to South Korea after living in the United States for nearly five decades. He faced deportation due to a past drug-related conviction, which he claims was linked to his PTSD from military service. Park's situation has sparked outrage and raised questions about the treatment of veterans within the U.S. immigration system [https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-06-27/l-a-army-veteran-with-purple-heart-self-deports-to-south-korea]. ### Understanding the Circumstances Surrounding Park's Deportation 1. **Background of Sae Joon Park**: - Immigrated from South Korea at age 7 and served in the U.S. Army, receiving a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat [https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/sae-joon-park-us-war-hero-self-deport-13900968.html]. 2. **Legal Challenges**: - Park was warned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that he could face detention due to a 2009 drug conviction. He was fitted with an ankle monitor and given three weeks to prepare for his departure [https://www.ibtimes.com/army-veteran-received-purple-heart-after-being-shot-during-deployment-he-just-self-deported-after-3776958]. 3. **Emotional Impact**: - The decision to self-deport forced Park to leave his life and family in Hawaii, not knowing when he would see them again [https://www.wcax.com/2025/06/25/us-army-purple-heart-veteran-forced-self-deport-i-just-have-drop-everything-leave]. ### Key Data and Reactions to Park's Case - **Duration of Stay**: Park lived in the U.S. for 48 years before self-deporting [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/purple-heart-veteran-self-deports-150837049.html]. - **Public Outcry**: His case has ignited discussions about the immigration system's treatment of veterans, particularly those suffering from PTSD [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/sae-joon-park-us-war-hero-self-deports-after-50-years-sparks-outrage-over-immigration-system-us-immigration-news-sae-joon-park-deportation-news/articleshow/122052287.cms]. - **Government Policy**: Park's deportation is seen as a consequence of stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has been criticized for targeting vulnerable populations [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/26/trump-immigration-veteran-self-deports]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Change in Immigration Policy - **Major Findings**: 1. Sae Joon Park's self-deportation highlights the harsh realities faced by veterans within the U.S. immigration system. 2. His case raises critical questions about the treatment of individuals with PTSD and the implications of past convictions on their legal status. 3. The public response indicates a growing demand for reform in immigration policies, particularly concerning veterans who have served the country. - **Next Steps**: Advocates are calling for a reevaluation of immigration laws to protect veterans like Park, ensuring that their service to the nation is recognized and honored rather than penalized [https://sg.news.yahoo.com/purple-heart-army-veteran-forced-205307760.html].