Exiled: America’s Deported Veterans 2017
Distributed by Good Docs
Produced by Mike Seely, John Kane, and Diya Guha
Directed by Mike Seely
Streaming, 30 mins
High School - General Adult
Immigration; Military; Political Science
Date Entered: 12/18/2019
Reviewed by Douglas Reed, Department of Political Science, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, ARWhen U.S. military veterans Hector Barajas and Mauricio Hernandez returned to civilian life, they faced a new battle – a battle with the country they served and still consider home.
Exiled tells their unimaginable story of deportation, an experience they share with hundreds of veterans who, as legal U.S. residents, served honorably but had a non-violent brush with the law after their military careers. Even though their offenses were directly related to combat trauma – PTSD and substance abuse – these former U.S. soldiers have been denied their military benefits and forced to live apart from their families. The film brings their plight into sharp focus, bearing witness to their lack of healthcare access and the emotional toll their separation has on them and their children.
Eye-opening and timely, Exiled makes a compelling case for these forgotten veterans and uncovers an unyielding bureaucracy’s shameful response.
A must-see for lawmakers and veterans’ advocates,
Exiled is an outstanding resource for all libraries as well as courses in law, political science, and sociology.
Awards
Best Short Documentary and Audience Choice Award at 2017 GI Film Festival, San Diego; Best Short Documentary at 2017 San Diego Latino Film Festival