Korean-born US Army Veteran Pardoned After Self-Deportation

Sae Joon Park, a 57-year-old Korean-born US Army veteran, has been pardoned for the crimes that led to his self-deportation last year, which raises the possibility of his return to the United States.

Park, who had been among several noncitizen veterans affected by immigration policies under the previous administration, left the US after facing the threat of arrest due to a prior criminal conviction. His case gained attention in December during a congressional hearing where lawmakers questioned the treatment of veterans in similar situations.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul pardoned Park for two convictions, allowing him a chance to vacate his removal order. While the pardon does not guarantee his return, it provides a basis for legal action. Park, who moved to the US at age 7 and served in the military, has faced challenges related to PTSD and drug use, which contributed to his legal troubles.