Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart veteran who self-deported, receives pardon

In June 2025, immigration authorities gave Sae Joon Park an ultimatum: leave voluntarily or face detention and deportation, according to his legal team. Sae Joon Park hide caption

Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart veteran who self-deported last year , has received a pardon, a critical step forward in his pursuit to return to the U.S. where he has lived nearly all his life.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., erased Park's convictions of bail jumping and drug possession on Friday. He was among six individuals granted clemency because they "displayed positive changes in their lives and will dedicate themselves to bettering their communities," Hochul said in a statement .

"They earned their second chance through rehabilitation and can now establish their futures once again," she added.

In a statement, Park said he has been praying for the chance to come back to the U.S. every day.

"I know there is still work ahead, but today I have hope that I may finally be able to come home," he said. "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 has received national attention over the past year. At a congressional hearing in December, Rep. Seth Magaziner, D-Rhode Island, highlighted Park's situation while questioning former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Park appeared at the hearing via Zoom.

Rep. Seth Magaziner, D-R.I., speaks while joined on a video call by Sae Joon Park during a hearing of the House Committee on Homeland Security on Dec. 11, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/AP hide caption