On December 22, 2025, the Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic (RILC) at the William S. Richardson School of Law submitted a formal pardon application to the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, on behalf of long-time Hawaiʻi resident Sae Joon Park.
The pardon application seeks executive clemency for drug possession and bail jumping convictions that occurred in Queens, New York, from 2007 to 2009. The bail jumping conviction is classified under federal immigration law as an aggravated felony and is the legal basis for Mr. Park’s deportation, despite Mr. Park’s military service and subsequent rehabilitation.
If Mr. Park is granted a pardon for his New York convictions by Governor Hochul, his legal team will be able to request a reopening of his removal order, obtain a vacatur, and provide him a path to return home to the United States.
On January 8, 2026, Mr. Park’s legal team followed up on his repleader request with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. Johnette Trail, Executive Assistant District Attorney in the Appeals and Special Litigation Division, confirmed in an email: “Your application is still under review. The assigned ADA will reach out if he has any questions.”
Statements
“This pardon application is about redemption. We believe Mr. Park’s has demonstrated a crime-free life since those New York convictions. He has been an outstanding father to his children and an active caretaker for his elderly mother. We urge Governor Hochul to pardon Mr. Park. A pardon will recognize that people are more than the worst moments of their lives.”
— Danicole Ramos, Mr. Park’s Immigration Attorney
“I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support I have received since my deportation. Knowing that so many people continue to stand with me has given me strength during the hardest period of my life. I am especially thankful for my legal team for working hard every day for the chance to come home.”
— Sae Joon Park
Additional inquiries on the pardon application or those who want to submit letters of support to Mr. Park on his pardon can be emailed to his attorney at danicole@hawaii.edu.