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US Army veteran pardoned for crimes that led to his self-deportation
Hochul’s pardon erases two convictions that triggered Park’s deportation and could help clear the way for his return, his attorney said.
- On Friday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul pardoned Sae Joon Park, erasing two criminal convictions from 2007 and 2009 to aid the Korean-born US Army veteran's return to the United States.
- Park self-deported last year after an ICE officer threatened detention during a routine check-in. After 49 years in America, the veteran chose to leave rather than face custody.
- A Purple Heart veteran injured during the 1989 Panama invasion, Park struggled with PTSD and drug use following his service. Authorities cited his convictions for bail jumping and drug possession as grounds for removal despite his military record.
- Attorney Danicole Ramos said the pardon provides grounds to vacate Park's removal order, though it does not guarantee immediate return. Park stated, "I am incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul for giving me this chance."
- Currently residing in Busan, South Korea, Park relies on relatives to navigate daily life due to limited Korean language skills. The veteran now awaits whether this legal development will facilitate his return to the United States.
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By Brad Lendon and Hanna Park A Korean-born American Army veteran who voluntarily deported last year was pardoned for the crimes that led him to leave the country, which raises hopes that he will be able to return to the United States. Sae Joon Park, 57, is among a group of non-citizen U.S. military veterans who self-deported or were expelled from the country for which they fought as part of President Donald Trump's drastic immigration repressio…
·Idaho Falls, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources9
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
11%
C 89%
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