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For Sae Joon Park, it’s not political. The U.S. Army veteran simply wants Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to acknowledge what’s happening to veterans in her own department.
Noem was called into Capitol Hill last Wednesday to testify to members of Congress concerning recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The hearing took a surprisingly awkward turn when Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-Rhode Island) quizzed Noem on recent deportations involving veterans.
“Madam Secretary, how many U.S. military veterans have you deported?” Magaziner asked.
“Sir, we have not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans,” Noem said.
That’s when an assistant to Magaziner brought up an iPad with Park’s face on the screen. The veteran was on live video from his new home in South Korea. After living in Hawaii for more than two decades, Park decided to self-deport back to his native Korea in June, a place he hasn’t called home for nearly 50 years.
Wounded in Panama
Park, 55, received a Purple Heart for his service in Operation Just Cause in 1989 to overthrow Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. He told NPR earlier this year that his platoon was ambushed one day while eating lunch. Panamanian soldiers opened fire, and Park, attempting to return fire, was shot in the back.
“I realized I was shot,” he told NPR. “So, I’m thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m paralyzed.’ And then thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m not just paralyzed. I’m dying right now.’”
Park was shot twice, but one of the bullets hit his dog tag, somewhat lessening the impact. After being transported back to the U.S., Park was honorably discharged. Like many other veterans, for Park, physical wounds healed, but mental scars remained.
“I was suffering from PTSD severely,” he said. “From sleeping nightmares to like, having just fearful thoughts all the time. Couldn’t watch horror movies, couldn’t hear loud noises.”
Park didn’t realize he was suffering from PTSD, and instead of receiving mental health treatment, he began abusing drugs to try to numb his pain. He was addicted to crack cocaine for most of his 20s and 30s. One night in New York, he was arrested while trying to purchase drugs. Park skipped a court hearing and, along with drug possession, he was charged with bail jumping.
While he eventually turned his life around and maintains he’s been drug-free for more than 15 years, Park’s criminal past made becoming a citizen harder. Typically, the U.S. allows expedited naturalization for veterans who served a year in the military. Park was discharged prior to completing 12 months, and the Panamanian invasion was not considered a “period of hostility.”
While Magaziner noted Park’s drug charges from a couple of decades ago, they weren’t violent crimes, the congressman argued, affecting only Park.
“I’m grateful for every single person who has served,” Noem responded. “But the immigration laws must be enforced.”
Trying to Adapt to Korea
Meanwhile, Park has spent the past few months trying to adapt to his foreign surroundings in South Korea. He hasn’t abandoned the thought of one day returning to the U.S.
“I’m doing well in Korea these past six months… but I still hope to return to the place I consider home,” Park told Island News.
Park tries to stay positive. His son and daughter lifted his spirits with a visit to South Korea recently, but it’s difficult calling this new land “home.”
“I have my moments… I go through my PTSD moments, but I try to make the most of every day.”
A Pathway Back?
Park has been working with attorneys for the past several months. They said all they want from the surprise video appearance at the hearing is for Americans to realize – including Noem – that veterans are being targeted for deportation, like Godfrey Wade, an Army veteran who has spent the past three months in a Georgia detention center, fearing he will soon be sent to his native Jamaica.
“I just hope she realizes what’s actually happening out there… and not answer things that aren’t true,” Park said.
Facing Noem in a public setting thrusts a spotlight onto what is really happening to some veterans, Park’s lawyer said.
While Magaziner and Noem’s exchange was tense, it could lead to action for Park.
“Will you commit to looking at Mr. Park’s case and see if you can help him find a pathway back?” Magaziner asked.
Saying immigration programs need to have integrity, Noem said, “I will absolutely look at his case.”
Park’s attorneys are examining his drug conviction in New York, hoping to get the crime reclassified as a misdemeanor, which might open the door to Park returning to the U.S.
“I’m grateful for my team and all the support I’ve been getting,” Park said. “I pray every day that the results will bring me back home.”
Story Continues
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23 Comments
I wonder if there are other veterans like Park who are facing similar challenges with deportation and immigration status, and what kind of support systems are in place to help them navigate these complex issues, as well as to prevent such outcomes in the future.
I’m curious to know more about the ‘period of hostility’ designation and how it affects veterans like Park who served in conflicts that aren’t considered hostile, and whether this policy is fair to those who have risked their lives in service.
The fact that Park was honorably discharged and received a Purple Heart for his service in Operation Just Cause, only to struggle with PTSD and subsequent drug addiction, raises questions about the support systems in place for veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
I’m skeptical about the claim that Park’s drug charges were the primary reason for his deportation, given the complexity of immigration cases and the multiple factors that typically contribute to such decisions, which suggests that there may be more to the story that hasn’t been fully explored.
Park’s experiences with PTSD, drug addiction, and ultimately deportation underscore the need for a holistic approach to supporting veterans, one that addresses their physical, mental, and legal challenges in a comprehensive and compassionate manner.
Secretary Noem’s response that ‘the immigration laws must be enforced’ seems overly simplistic given the complexities of cases like Park’s, and it doesn’t acknowledge the human cost of these policies on veterans who have served our country.
This response ignores the fact that Park was a victim of circumstances beyond his control and that his service to the country should be taken into account when considering his immigration status.
Park’s story, while deeply personal, also represents a larger issue of how we as a society choose to treat and support our veterans, particularly those who may not fit neatly into our legal or social categories, and whether we prioritize their well-being and contributions.
The distinction between being a U.S. citizen and a U.S. military veteran seems to be at the heart of the issue here, with Secretary Noem’s statement potentially misleading, as it does not account for the experiences of non-citizen veterans like Park who have nonetheless served our country.
Sae Joon Park’s story is a tragic reminder that our immigration laws can have devastating consequences for veterans who have served our country, with Park being deported back to South Korea after living in Hawaii for over two decades.
The fact that Park was shot twice and suffered physical and mental trauma, only to face deportation decades later, is a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of our actions in conflict zones and the responsibilities we have towards those who serve in our military.
This also highlights the importance of considering the long-term effects of military service on individuals and their families, and ensuring that our policies reflect a commitment to their well-being and support.
It’s troubling that Park’s criminal past, although non-violent, made it harder for him to become a citizen, despite serving in the military, and this highlights the need for more nuanced immigration laws that take into account an individual’s service and circumstances.
The use of an iPad to bring Park’s face onto the screen during the hearing was a powerful moment, putting a human face to the statistics and policies being discussed, and it’s a testament to the impact that personal stories can have on public discourse.
The role of Rep. Seth Magaziner in bringing Park’s story to the forefront of the hearing is commendable, as it highlights the importance of advocacy and oversight in ensuring that the rights and dignity of veterans are protected and respected.
It’s also a reminder of the critical role that individual lawmakers can play in shedding light on important issues and pushing for policy changes that benefit marginalized or overlooked groups.
The expedited naturalization process for veterans who served a year in the military seems like a well-intentioned policy, but Park’s case shows that there are gaps and exceptions that can lead to unfair outcomes, and these need to be addressed to ensure fairness for all veterans.
Park’s decision to self-deport back to South Korea after nearly 50 years away is a heart-wrenching choice, and it speaks to the desperation and lack of options that some veterans face when dealing with our immigration system, highlighting a need for more compassionate and veteran-centric policies.
I’m surprised that Secretary Noem claimed no U.S. military veterans have been deported, when in fact, Park’s case is a clear example of this happening, highlighting a disconnect between the Department of Homeland Security’s actions and their reported policies.
It’s concerning that the hearing with Secretary Noem seemed to gloss over the specifics of Park’s case and the broader implications for veterans facing deportation, which suggests a lack of urgency or willingness to address these issues comprehensively.
Park’s case and the hearing with Secretary Noem bring attention to the need for a more comprehensive approach to immigration that considers the service and sacrifices of military veterans, regardless of their citizenship status, to ensure that those who have served our country are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Park’s experience with PTSD and drug addiction is unfortunately not unique, and his story underscores the importance of providing adequate mental health resources and support for veterans struggling with these issues, to prevent similar outcomes.
The mention of Operation Just Cause and the overthrow of Manuel Noriega serves as a reminder of the complex and often controversial nature of U.S. military interventions, and the lasting impacts they can have on individuals and communities.