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Veteran Faces Heartbreaking Self-Deportation After 50 Years

6/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, faced a devastating choice: self-deportation to South Korea after nearly five decades in the U.S. His deferred action status was revoked due to past drug offenses, leaving him heartbroken as he bid farewell to his family and the only home he has ever known.

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Story summary

Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, faced a devastating choice: self-deportation to South Korea after nearly five decades in the U.S. His deferred action status was revoked due to past drug offenses, leaving him heartbroken as he bid farewell to his family and the only home he has ever known.