A few months ago, I attended a film screening in Capitol Hill hosted by Reps. Mark Takano, Luo Correa and Tony GutiƩrrez. They screened a documentary about deported veterans called "Exiled." It followed the struggles of deported veterans and their efforts to gain basic healthcare benefits while being across the border in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
By the end of the documentary, I was appalled at the lack of action for these veterans. They served our country because they were proud to be Americans and wanted to defend the country that gave so much to them. Yet, they were separated from their families by a wall. They could not get help for their injuries and PTSD. They had these issues caused by war, but their adopted motherland could not and would not do much.
Deported US military veterans live in limbo youtu.be
Recently, the founder of the Deported Veterans House, Hector Barajas, was pardoned by California's governor, Jerry Brown. After his pardon, he became a United States citizen, but his work has not stopped in the slightest. He continues to meet with government officials, activists, and celebrities to raise awareness because although he now can cross the border freely, his comrades cannot. He wants to create support houses in other countries as well because he realizes that Mexico is not the only place veterans are deported to.
Currently, they are continuously raising funds to help alleviate costs of living, health, etc. for those that seek assistance from the Deported Veterans House. For ways to help, look here.
