Crapser

Korean adoptee Adam Crapser poses with daughter, Christal, in a file photo.

(Gosia Wozniacka | AP Photo)

Vancouver, Wash. — A South Korean man brought to the U.S. 37 years ago to be adopted is now facing deportation from the country where he has made his home.

Adam Crapser, now in his 40s, was adopted at age 3 by American citizens. He will be deported to South Korea after a judge ruled this week against relief that would have allowed him to remain in the U.S., according to NBC News.

Crapser is married with three kids of his own and lives in Vancouver, Washington.

"Adam and his family are heartbroken at the outcome," said Lori Walls of the Washington Immigration Defense Group, who is representing Crapser, according to NBC.

Crapser's adoptive parents abandoned him and his sister seven years after bringing them to the U.S. They also never obtained American citizenship for him.

The foster care system separated the siblings and Crapser moved through several foster and group homes, NBC said.

He suffered abuse at the hands of one set of foster parents, who were later convicted on multiple charges. He was himself convicted of crimes including burglary, car theft and assault.

He was able to turn his life around and eventually worked as a barbershop owner and in the insurance industry, according to the New York Times.

Federal authorities learned of Crapser's criminal history when he applied for a green card, according to NPR. His offenses make him eligible for deportation.

He fought to stay for several years, but apparently exhausted his legal options. Crapser has been in a detention center for nine months, NPR said.

"He will be deported as soon as Immigration and Customs Enforcement makes the necessary arrangements," said Walls, his attorney, according to NPR.

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