Miguel Perez

Miguel Perez came to Chicago when he was just six years old. He saw the Army as an amazing opportunity to solidify his American citizenship, start a career, and gain some discipline in his life. Miguel served two tours in Afghanistan at the height of the war, serving alongside a Special Forces unit and suffering two traumatic brain injuries. When Miguel returned home, he suffered from PTSD, along with his physical injuries. After a drug conviction and a sentence of seven-plus years, Miguel faced deportation to Mexico. He lived in Tijuana for a year and a half before his conviction was pardoned. He returned to the U.S. and gained his citizenship on October 4, 2019. Now, he works with LULAC and Green Card Veterans to push for legislative change and fight for other deported veterans.