Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart veteran, has received a pardon. This is a big step in his effort to return to the U.S., where he has lived almost his entire life.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul pardoned Park for his past convictions of bail jumping and drug possession. She said he was one of six people granted clemency because they "displayed positive changes in their lives and will dedicate themselves to bettering their communities."
"They earned their second chance through rehabilitation and can now establish their futures once again," Hochul added.
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Start Your News DetoxPark shared that he has been praying daily to come back 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," he said. He thanked his legal team, advocates, and supporters.
A Veteran's Journey and Advocacy
Park's story gained national attention over the past year. In December, Rep. Seth Magaziner from Rhode Island highlighted Park's situation during a congressional hearing. Park joined the hearing via Zoom.
Magaziner asked former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to review Park's case. Noem promised to "absolutely look at his case."
Park was forced to move to South Korea last year due to a removal order from his convictions. It was his first time in his birth country in nearly 50 years.
Park came to the U.S. at age seven and became a legal permanent resident. At 19, he joined the U.S. Army. He was deployed during the 1989 invasion of Panama, where he was shot by Panamanian soldiers.
He was honorably discharged and received a Purple Heart. However, Park said he struggled with undiagnosed PTSD, which led to drug addiction and legal issues.
Park served three years in prison, where he became sober. He then spent a decade rebuilding his life in Hawaii. In June 2025, immigration authorities told Park he would be detained and deported if he didn't leave the U.S. He moved to South Korea that month, leaving behind his two adult children and elderly mother.
"I have to accept the fact that this is probably the last time I'll see her," he told NPR last year.
What the Pardon Means
The pardon does not automatically allow Park to return to the U.S. However, it lets his legal team reopen his case. They can now ask the board of immigration appeals to remove his deportation order.
Danicole Ramos, an attorney representing Park, said the pardon is a "tremendous step forward." It gives Park and his family "renewed hope" that he may return to the country he calls home.
