Fact Check: Veteran self-deports after nearly 50 years in the U.S.

Fact Check: "Veteran self-deports after nearly 50 years in the U.S."

What We Know

The claim that a veteran self-deported after nearly 50 years in the U.S. is based on the case of Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old U.S. Army veteran who left the United States for South Korea in June 2025. Park had been living in the U.S. since he was 7 years old and held a green card. His self-deportation was prompted by a removal order linked to past criminal charges, including drug possession and failure to appear in court, which he attributed to untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his military service (NPR, NPR).

Park's story highlights the challenges faced by noncitizen veterans in the U.S. legal system, particularly under the stricter immigration policies that have been in place in recent years. He expressed disbelief at being forced to leave the country he served, stating, "I can't believe that this is happening in America" (NPR).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, primarily derived from reputable news sources such as NPR, which has reported extensively on Park's situation. According to NPR, Park's deportation was not a result of his military service but rather due to his criminal history, which he linked to his struggles with PTSD (NPR). The article details his life journey, including his military service in Panama, his battles with addiction, and the eventual legal troubles that led to his deportation.

The reliability of NPR as a source is high, as it is a well-respected news organization known for its thorough reporting and fact-checking. The coverage of Park's story is consistent across multiple reports, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim that he self-deported after nearly 50 years in the U.S. (NPR, NPR).

However, it is important to note that while Park's case is tragic and highlights systemic issues within the immigration and legal systems, it also reflects broader trends affecting veterans who are not U.S. citizens. Reports indicate that there are approximately 400 veterans who have faced deportation or have been deported since the early 1990s, underscoring a significant issue within the military and immigration policies (NPR).

Conclusion

The claim that a veteran self-deported after nearly 50 years in the U.S. is True. Sae Joon Park's case exemplifies the complexities and challenges faced by noncitizen veterans in the U.S., particularly those with criminal histories linked to mental health issues stemming from their service. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between military service, immigration status, and mental health.