Service Members and Veterans Caught Up in Mass Deportations Despite Their Service to US

Mass Deportations Ensnare Immigrant Service Members and Veterans CIUDAD JUÁREZ, MEXICO - In a growing trend that has sparked controversy in the United States, hundreds of immigrant service members and veterans have been deported from the country despite their sacrifices for the nation. The deportations, which began under the Trump administration, have continued into the Biden era, leaving many to wonder about the fate of those who served. According to data obtained by Mother Jones, between 2017 and 2022, at least 1,500 immigrant veterans were deported from the United States. Among them is Sae Joon Park, a US Army veteran who was born in Seoul, South Korea, and came to the US as a child. Park joined the military at 19 and served two tours of duty, including one in Panama, where he received a Purple Heart for his bravery. However, after leaving the military, Park struggled with PTSD and addiction, which led to an arrest for drug possession in 2009. Despite being granted deferred action due to his veteran status, Park was eventually deported back to South Korea in 2018. "I believed in this country," Park said in a recent interview. "I thought it would protect me, but now I'm here, and my family is still there." Jose Francisco Lopez, an Army veteran himself, has dedicated his life to helping deportees like Park. In 2017, he founded the Deported Veterans Support House in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, where he provides shelter, food, and assistance to those struggling to adjust to their new lives. Lopez attributes the deportations to a flawed immigration system that fails to account for the complexities of military service. "These individuals have risked their lives for this country," Lopez said. "They deserve better than to be treated like common criminals." Immigration advocates agree, arguing that the deportations are a result of outdated policies and a lack of understanding about the unique challenges faced by immigrant veterans. "The US has a long history of welcoming immigrants who serve in its military," said Rachel Self, an immigration attorney with the National Immigration Law Center. "It's unconscionable to deport those who have risked everything for this country." The Biden administration has taken steps to address the issue, including introducing legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrant veterans. However, the bill has stalled in Congress, and many advocates worry that it may not be enough to reverse the damage already done. As the debate over immigration policy continues, one thing is clear: the lives of hundreds of immigrant service members and veterans hang in the balance. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of deportation and the need for comprehensive reform. Background: The US has a long history of deporting non-citizen immigrants who commit crimes, but the Trump administration's policies took a more aggressive approach, leading to an increase in deportations. The Biden administration has continued this trend, although at a slower pace. Policy Impact: The mass deportations have had a devastating impact on immigrant veterans and their families, leaving many without access to healthcare, education, or employment opportunities. Additional Perspectives: "These individuals are not just statistics; they're human beings who have risked everything for our country," said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), who has introduced legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrant veterans. "We need to recognize that immigration and national security are not mutually exclusive," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who has expressed support for the Biden administration's efforts to address the issue. Current Status: The deportations continue, with many advocates calling on Congress to pass legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrant veterans. Next Developments: As the debate over immigration policy continues, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will take action to address the plight of immigrant service members and veterans. *Reporting by Motherjones.*