Deported Vets

We are the sisters left behind

Not only at our early age when our brothers and sisters left to sign

But years and years later, we’ve waited for an immigration rewrite

These deported vets sent all over to serve our country world wide

They wore red and blue with pride

Sure they made a mistake, but they paid, they didn’t hide

Many veterans make these same mistakes, but their patriotism is always justified

Benefits, VA services, promise of citizenship nullified

Coming from POC or low income families, they didn’t have the resources to get an attorney or didn’t have the resources to protest and testify

For many years these stories have sat here, phenomena unidentified

Never heard of that deported veterans left behind, deported back with no where to go, some contemplating suicide

They face a multitude of problems adjusting after serving double time

Let’s help them come home this time

J.Mar

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Author: J.Mar

I was born and raised in Kern County in an unincorporated area of Kern, CA. My parents moved there in the 90s to make a living as farm workers. Watching them barter their bodies, homelands, and family for a chance at the “American Dream” has caused me to reflect. My writing here is largely the unceremonious unpacking and repacking of what was won and lost in this exchange. My version of the dream consists of completing a PhD in Public Policy. I currently study public finance, public participation, and remittances in Mexico. I am also generally interested in the Latinx public finance experience. I’ve learned to be cautiously optimistic about the future. Lastly, I love plants and cleaning is a freeing ritual to me.

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