Photos from Asian Law Caucus via Facebook
A California man deported to Cambodia for a crime he committed nine years ago is back on American soil with families and friends.
The Sacramento Bee reports Phorn Tem returned to Sacramento Friday night to kisses and hugs from his surprised mother.
Run Nhei thought she was at San Francisco International Airport to greet a Cambodian embassy official, not her son.
Tem was one of 15 Cambodian nationals caught in a round up by immigration authorities during a round up of up to 200 people last fall. He had been convicted of possession of marijuana when the 33 year old was 24.
“It was horrible,” he said. “I lost hope.” Tem said to the Bee about his time in Cambodia. He was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and was just 5 when he moved to the United States.
LATEST STORIES
“Now that he’s back she’s finally going to be able to sleep,” said Phoeun Tem, Phorn’s sister. “Now that he’s back it’s a weight off our shoulders.”
Advancing Justice, Asian Law Caucus believes Phorn Tem is the first person to return from deportation to Cambodia.
“We’re proud to be a part of his journey and inspired to continue fighting for justice,” the group said in a Facebook post.
According to the Bee, Tem was deported one day before a superior court judge reversed his conviction on a prejudicial error.
Attorney Melanie Kim of Advancing Justice, Asian Law Caucus, fought to successfully reverse his conviction.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff or submitting a story.
