U.S. Veterans Face Deportation Risks Amid Political Climate

Thu Sep 18 2025 02:54:55 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, concerns grow about the treatment of immigrant veterans, with some choosing to self-deport due to fears of mass deportations under potential Trump policies.

Sae Joon Park, a U.S. Army veteran, self-deported to South Korea amid fears of deportation under a potential Trump reelection. Facing PTSD and addiction, Park had initially been protected as a veteran but was later issued a removal order. His case highlights the broader issue of immigrant veterans facing deportation and the challenges arising from fluctuating immigration policies. Experts warn that current policies under consideration jeopardize military recruitment and the safety of veterans who fought for the U.S.

PHOENIX (AP) — As the 2024 presidential election draws near, U.S. Army veteran Sae Joon Park recalls a chilling warning from an immigration officer: if Donald Trump returns to the White House, he might be deported.

Having immigrated to the U.S. from Seoul, South Korea, at the age of 7, Park became a soldier at 19, earning a Purple Heart for his service. After leaving the military, he struggled with PTSD and addiction, resulting in a drug charge in 2009, which led to a deportation order. But, as a veteran, he was granted deferred action, allowing him to stay while he reported to immigration officials annually.

However, everything changed when he went for his check-in appointment in June and discovered the removal order against him. Fearing a prolonged detention, he opted to self-deport.

They allowed me to serve my country, to take bullets for this country. That should count for something, Park stated, expressing frustration over the treatment of veterans like himself.

Trump's first term saw a crackdown on immigrant service members. His administration sought to restrict avenues for citizenship and make enlistment harder for green card holders, which faced opposition but set a concerning precedent for future military and immigration policies.

Military experts and veterans now warn that the service members are again becoming targets of a toughened immigration stance. During Trump’s campaigns, promises of mass deportation did not exempt military personnel, raising alarms about the impact on recruitment and national security.

Under President Biden, ICE issued a policy that considered prior military service a significant mitigating factor in enforcement actions. However, that policy was recently rescinded, complicating the landscape for veterans like Park.

Parks's story is not isolated; other stories of immigrant veterans facing deportation are emerging, highlighting a growing crisis. With no clear data on the number affected, advocacy groups estimate that approximately 10,000 veterans may currently be at risk.

Several legislative measures have been proposed to protect immigrant service members, and veterans like U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth are advocating fiercely for rights that honor their contributions to the nation. Yet, for many, the situation remains dire, as they navigate the intersection of military service and immigration policy in an uncertain political environment.

Park’s relocation to South Korea has not been easy; after three decades, he is struggling to readjust to a life he once left behind. This is not the country that I volunteered and fought for, he lamented, reflecting the stark reality for many veterans caught in this challenging situation.