A Pardon Brings Hope for a Veteran’s Return to the U.S.
In a significant turn of events, Sae Joon Park, a veteran recognized with the Purple Heart, has been granted a pardon, marking a vital step in his quest to return to the United States. Park, who left the U.S. under duress, has since been striving to reunite with a country he considers home.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul finalized the pardon for Park, clearing his record of bail jumping and drug possession convictions. Park was among six individuals to receive clemency, reflecting their positive life transformations and commitment to community betterment, as Hochul expressed in her statement.
“They earned their second chance through rehabilitation and can now establish their futures once again,” Governor Hochul said.
Park, expressing his gratitude, mentioned he has been hoping and praying daily for this chance to return to the U.S.
“I know there is still work ahead, but today I have hope that I may finally be able to come home,” Park stated. “I want to thank my legal team, everyone who advocated for me, and the thousands of people who have supported me and my family. I will never forget what you have done for me.”
Park’s case has garnered national attention. During a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, Rep. Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island brought Park’s situation to the forefront while questioning former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Park participated in the hearing via Zoom.
“Will you commit to at least looking at Mr. Park’s case to see if you can help him find a pathway back to this country that he sacrificed so much for?” Magaziner inquired.
Noem responded affirmatively, stating, “I will absolutely look at his case.”
Park’s forced relocation to South Korea was due to a removal order linked to his convictions. It was his first return to his birthplace in nearly five decades. Park immigrated to the U.S. at age 7 and later served in the Army, including deployment during the 1989 invasion of Panama, where he was wounded.
Following his honorable discharge and receipt of a Purple Heart, Park faced challenges with undiagnosed PTSD, leading to substance abuse and legal issues. He served three years in prison, achieved sobriety, and spent a decade rebuilding his life in Hawaii. In June 2025, facing potential detention and deportation, he left the U.S., leaving behind family.
While the pardon does not automatically allow Park’s return, it enables his legal team to appeal his removal order. Danicole Ramos, Park’s attorney at the University of Hawaii’s refugee and immigration law clinic, emphasized the importance of this development.
“This pardon represents a tremendous step forward and gives Mr. Park and his family renewed hope that, after more than a year of separation, he may one day be able to return to the country he has called home since childhood and for which he put his life on the line,” Ramos stated.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
