At 62, Valente Valenzuela faces deportation back to a country he left as a child. Wounded in Vietnam, issued a Bronze Star for bravery, and a sufferer of post traumatic stress disorder, Valente cannot believe that the country he served with honor now wants to turn its back on him. His brother, who also fought in the Vietnam war, has also been ordered out of the country.

The way our nation treats immigrants who have fought under the American flag shows a deep disrespect for the sacrifice our servicemembers make.

As children, the Valenzuela brothers, whose mother was an American-born citizen, moved to the United States as legal permanent residents. After serving in the Vietnam war, both got into trouble with the law, which they believe was a result of war-related PTSD, for which they now receive counseling. Though these crimes were committed years ago and have already been dealt with by the criminal justice system, this triggered removal proceedings against the brothers. 

If deported to a country the brothers left as mere children, they will also lose all veterans benefits and the ability to attend PTSD counseling.

Tell the Department of Homeland Security to stop the deportation of Valente and Manuel Valenzuela in recognition of their service to this country.

Photo credit: US Army Africa