Key Takeaways
• Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart veteran, lost his green card due to a 2009 drug conviction.
• Deferred action protecting Park ended in June 2025, leading to his voluntary deportation to South Korea.
• US immigration law does not exempt veterans with serious criminal records from deportation.
A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Sae Joon Park, who received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat, was forced to leave the United States 🇺🇸 and return to South Korea after his green card was revoked. Park’s self-deportation on June 23, 2025, after living in the United States 🇺🇸 for nearly five decades, has sparked national debate about how immigration law treats veterans—especially those with criminal convictions linked to service-related trauma.
Who is Sae Joon Park and Why Was He Deported?
Sae Joon Park came to the United States 🇺🇸 from South Korea at age seven. He grew up in Los Angeles, spending his childhood in Koreatown and the San Fernando Valley. Park later joined the U.S. Army and served during the 1989 invasion of Panama, known as Operation Just Cause. During his service, he was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart, a military honor given to those injured or killed in action.
Despite his honorable service, Park’s life took a difficult turn after leaving the military. He struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing traumatic events, such as combat. Park has said that his PTSD led to addiction issues, which eventually resulted in a 2009 drug conviction. He served two and a half years in prison for this offense.
After his release, Park’s criminal record triggered immigration consequences. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked his green card—a document that allows non-citizens to live and work permanently in the United States 🇺🇸. Although Park was granted deferred action, a temporary relief from deportation, this status was terminated in June 2025. Facing a final removal order from DHS, Park was given a choice: self-deport to South Korea or face detention and forced removal by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Park chose to leave voluntarily.
Key Details and Timeline
- 1977: Sae Joon Park immigrates legally to the United States 🇺🇸 at age seven.
- 1989: Serves in the U.S. Army during Operation Just Cause; wounded and receives the Purple Heart.
- 2009: Convicted on drug charges; serves two and a half years in prison.
- Post-2009: Green card revoked due to criminal conviction.
- 2010s–2025: Granted deferred action, allowing him to stay in the U.S. temporarily.
- June 2025: Deferred action terminated; DHS issues final removal order.
- June 23, 2025: Park self-deports to South Korea.
Why Did Park Lose His Green Card?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows a person to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 indefinitely. However, certain criminal convictions—especially those considered “aggravated felonies” or drug offenses—can lead to the loss of this status. In Park’s case, his 2009 drug conviction was enough for DHS to revoke his green card and start removal proceedings.
Deferred action, which Park received after his conviction, is a form of temporary relief from deportation. It does not provide legal status and can be ended at any time. In June 2025, DHS terminated Park’s deferred action, making him subject to immediate removal.
What is Deferred Action and How Does It Work?
Deferred action is a discretionary decision by immigration authorities to delay or not pursue removal (deportation) of a person for a certain period. It does not grant legal status or a path to citizenship. People with deferred action may receive work authorization, but they remain at risk of deportation if the government changes its mind.
Park’s deferred action allowed him to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for several years after his conviction. However, this protection ended suddenly, leaving him with no legal way to remain in the country.
Military Service and Immigration Law: Are Veterans Protected?
Many people assume that military service, especially with honors like the Purple Heart, provides strong protection against deportation. However, U.S. immigration law does not automatically shield veterans from removal if they have certain criminal convictions.
The Department of Homeland Security, through Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, stated that Park had an “extensive criminal history” and that his removal order was final. This reflects current enforcement policies, which do not exempt veterans with serious criminal records from deportation.
While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers some discretionary relief for military personnel and their families—such as parole in place or deferred action—these are decided case by case. They do not guarantee protection if the person has a serious criminal history.
The Human Cost: Family Separation and Community Impact
Park’s forced departure means he is now separated from his family and community in the United States 🇺🇸. He had hoped to care for his aging mother, who still lives in Los Angeles. His removal also severs his ties to the country he served and called home for nearly 50 years.
This case raises difficult questions about how the United States 🇺🇸 treats veterans, especially those who develop mental health problems like PTSD as a result of their service. Many advocates argue that more should be done to support veterans struggling with addiction or other service-related issues, rather than punishing them with deportation.
Veterans’ Advocates and Public Reaction
The deportation of a Purple Heart recipient has shocked many veterans’ advocates and members of the public. They argue that military service should offer greater protection against removal, especially for those whose criminal behavior is linked to service-related trauma.
Some have criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and officials like VA Secretary Doug Collins for not doing enough to support veterans facing deportation. However, there has been no direct statement from the VA on Park’s case.
DHS officials say they must balance humanitarian concerns with the legal requirements of immigration law. They point out that the law does not allow exceptions for veterans with certain criminal convictions.
Step-by-Step: How Park’s Case Unfolded
To help readers understand the process, here is a step-by-step outline of what happened to Sae Joon Park:
- Legal Immigration: Park came to the United States 🇺🇸 as a child and obtained a green card.
- Military Service: He served honorably in the U.S. Army and was wounded in combat, earning the Purple Heart.
- Criminal Conviction: In 2009, Park was convicted on drug charges and served time in prison.
- Loss of Green Card: His conviction led to the revocation of his green card.
- Deferred Action: Park was granted deferred action, allowing him to stay in the U.S. temporarily.
- Termination of Relief: In June 2025, DHS ended his deferred action.
- Final Removal Order: DHS issued a final order for his removal.
- Self-Deportation: Park was given the option to leave voluntarily or face detention and forced removal. He chose to self-deport to South Korea on June 23, 2025.
Policy Implications: What Does This Mean for Other Veterans?
Park’s case highlights the limited protections available to veterans under current immigration law. Even those with long-term residence and distinguished military service can be deported if they have certain criminal convictions.
USCIS policies allow for some discretionary relief, but these are not guaranteed and can be withdrawn at any time. Deferred action, for example, is always temporary and can be ended without warning.
This situation has led to calls for policy changes to better protect veterans, especially those with service-related disabilities like PTSD. Some advocates want Congress or the President to expand the use of parole in place or create new forms of relief for veterans facing deportation.
What is Parole in Place?
Parole in place is a special permission that allows certain non-citizens who are family members of U.S. military personnel to stay in the country, even if they entered without permission. It is granted on a case-by-case basis and does not apply to everyone. For more information, readers can visit the USCIS Parole in Place page.
Challenges for Veterans with Criminal Records
Veterans who struggle with PTSD or addiction often face unique challenges. Service-related trauma can lead to behavior that results in criminal charges. Once convicted, these veterans may lose their green cards and face deportation, even if they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for most of their lives.
Advocates argue that the law should consider the reasons behind a veteran’s criminal behavior, especially if it is linked to their military service. They also call for better access to mental health care and addiction treatment for veterans.
What Can Affected Veterans Do?
Veterans facing deportation should seek legal help as soon as possible. Some organizations specialize in helping immigrant veterans and may be able to assist with appeals or applications for relief. It is important to understand that options like deferred action or parole in place are not guaranteed and can be withdrawn at any time.
Veterans and their families can find more information and resources on the USCIS official website, which provides details about immigration policies, forms, and available relief.
Broader Implications: Calls for Reform
Park’s case is not unique. Many veterans have been deported in recent years, often for crimes linked to mental health or addiction issues. This has led to growing calls for reform:
- Legislative Action: Some lawmakers want to pass new laws to protect veterans from deportation, especially those with service-related disabilities.
- Executive Action: The President could direct DHS and ICE to use more discretion in cases involving veterans.
- Advocacy: Veterans’ groups and legal aid organizations continue to push for changes to ensure that service to the country is recognized and respected in immigration decisions.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the intersection of immigration law, criminal justice, and veterans’ rights remains a complex and often unforgiving area. Cases like Park’s show the need for policies that balance public safety with compassion for those who have served.
What Happens Next?
It is unclear what the future holds for Sae Joon Park. He is now in South Korea, separated from his family and the country he served. His case may inspire new efforts to change the law and provide better support for veterans facing similar situations.
Advocacy groups are likely to continue pushing for expanded relief and better mental health care for veterans. Lawmakers may introduce new bills to protect veterans from deportation, especially those with service-related conditions like PTSD.
Practical Steps for Veterans and Families
If you or someone you know is a veteran facing immigration problems:
- Seek Legal Help: Contact a legal aid organization that specializes in immigration and veterans’ rights.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all records of military service, medical history, and any evidence of rehabilitation or community support.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from USCIS, DHS, and veterans’ organizations about changes in policy or new forms of relief.
- Advocate: Reach out to lawmakers and advocacy groups to share your story and support policy changes.
Conclusion: The Human Cost of Immigration Enforcement
The story of Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient forced to leave the United States 🇺🇸 after nearly 50 years, highlights the harsh realities faced by immigrant veterans with criminal records. Despite his service and sacrifice, Park was not protected from deportation because of a drug conviction linked to his struggles with PTSD.
This case shows the need for more compassionate and flexible immigration policies that recognize the unique challenges faced by veterans. As the debate continues, it is important for policymakers, advocates, and the public to consider both the legal requirements and the human cost of current enforcement practices.
For more information about immigration policies affecting veterans, visit the USCIS official website. If you need to access or replace your green card, you can find the official Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card on the USCIS site.
Park’s experience serves as a reminder that the intersection of military service, mental health, and immigration law is complex—and that real people and families are affected by every decision.
Learn Today
Purple Heart → A U.S. military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed in combat during service.
Green Card → Official Permanent Resident Card allowing a non-citizen to live and work permanently in the U.S.
Deferred Action → Temporary immigration relief delaying deportation but not granting legal status or citizenship rights.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, U.S. agency overseeing immigration enforcement and policies.
Parole in Place → Discretionary immigration relief allowing certain military family members to remain temporarily in the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
Sae Joon Park, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, was forced to self-deport to South Korea after losing his green card due to a drug conviction linked to PTSD. This case highlights the lack of immigration protections for veterans with criminal records and prompts calls for policy reform.
— By VisaVerge.com
