Decorated Veteran Forced to Self-Deport After 48 Years in the U.S.

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Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old decorated Army veteran, was compelled to leave the United States for South Korea on Monday after immigration officials revoked his deferred action status. Park had only three weeks to exit the country or face detention, according to Island News.

The decision stemmed from his past drug possession and bail-jumping convictions in 2009, which he attributes to untreated trauma from his military service. Under immigration law, bail jumping is classified as an aggravated felony, significantly complicating his immigration status. "I was just very lucky to deport myself, remove myself, because they were ready to lock me up," Park told reporters.

Park, who moved to the U.S. at age 7 and served in the Army from 19, was wounded in combat, earning a Purple Heart. Despite establishing a stable life in Hawaii, including raising two adult children, he now faces an uncertain future in South Korea, a country he hasn't lived in for three decades. His attorney, Danicole Ramos, emphasized Park's contributions to American ideals, highlighting that many veterans facing removal have similar circumstances.

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