The Endless Downward Spiral

Long time lurker but finally decided to post as I am going through something of a personal disaster and would like your advice on how to proceed.

Disclaimer - long story, albeit interesting as I'm sure you've never heard anything quite like this. Not here for a shoulder to cry on so this may be a fun read for you guys. 

Will not disclose geography but started career in an Asian country despite US citizenship + US education at top tier (non target) liberal arts school, out of a desire to live close to immediate family who are of said ethnicity residing in said region. Was fortunate to jumpstart post undergrad career in local PE straight out of college, slaved as analyst for 3.5yrs, then moved to a semi-sophisticated LP investor with capacity to run direct deals and coinvestments globally with top tier PE firms/institutions. Youngest Sr.VP promotion ever during c.5 year stint at organization. Had pretty good prospects going into an institutional sales role (Asian fundraising angle) at reputable PE firms with a number of solid interviews and recruitment offers lined up. Felt good about my career and was on a promising trajectory. 

Out of nowhere, a friend who had at the time been diagnosed a paranoid schizophrenic (not kidding), contacts firm HR out of the blue and accuses me of being some kind of drug kingpin (weed specifically) - which I obviously was not. We never harbored any hard feelings against each other and the only explanation for what he claimed was his mental problem. Based on a combination of strong anti-drug jurisdiction, conservative firm culture with some unique issues around headline risk and internal politics etc, I was outright fired from the firm with disciplinary action before these wild accusations were even substantiated by any legal authority. 

Here's where things get really crazy. Despite my MD lvl seniors' and colleagues' efforts to mitigate the situation on my behalf, HR decides to file a police report immediately and I spent the next few months unable to work and going through an investigation process. Eventually prosecution drops the case, as expected, and I am cleared of any legal problems, but the damage was done, being w/o job and a tainted reputation along the way. Wasn't going to sob about it so I spent a grueling 4 months in the job market, and with the help of many sympathetic colleagues in the field, eventually landed a decent job at an AMC. Mentally draining journey, but ultimately recoverable and perhaps a fun story to tell my future kids, right?

Turns out the story doesn't end here. Although prosecution had already dropped the case, during the police investigation I had admitted that while I am no drug addict - and definitely no drug kingpin of any sort - I had my share of experiences with pot (as many college students do) at an earlier point in life but certainly not in relation to the current charges. This statement was in response to the investigators trying to understand the full picture which was quite surreal to them (since, you know, a schizo was testifying on the other side). I felt that honesty was best policy because I felt like I had nothing to hide, and because I wasn't able to foresee the severity of repercussions that followed. As expected, prosecution dropped the case and I was free of criminal charges/record, but immigration office decides to file a deportation order on me. They had received the DA's report as part of immigration protocol which detailed the conversations during investigation. Their rationale for deportation is that while I am not a criminal in legal terms, my admittance to a prior run ins with pot would be suitable grounds for their decision. 

This was completely unexpected (my case lawyers were aware of the theoretical risk from the get go, given my US citizenship) and I tried to persuade authorities that my family and fiance resides here and that I would lose my 9yr career through this decision (1 yr re-entry ban). I also told imm. authorities that I worked very hard to establish a local career, and even harder to secure a new job after a career-debilitating event, and that they should grant me the opportunity to restart my life with family and future wife.

Now, I am in a situation where I may have to take this case to administrative court. The process may save me from immediate departure while the trial is in progress, but AFAIK there isn't much to gained as I will be without work visa until a trial decision is reached. Also, the case is expected to take another 9 mo., meaning that if I am left w/o work visa, the situation would be substantially the same as just taking the 12 mo. deport order (c 3mo. diff). 

Personal matters aside, I am not sure what the best approach would be to restart a career overseas (US). As you all know, PE is a localized business and candidates are often hired with a local angle (networks, language, culture etc. as key competitive dis/advantages). I had been considering IR positions at global firms with a need for APAC fundraising given my knowledge/networks in the region, but my deportation order would have a significant impact on my validity as a candidate. I hadn't considered other avenues of work (or US based work either) but am forced to do so now after a strange turn of events.  

This is taking a toll on my mental sanity and my close colleagues who know the whole story are in absolute disbelief (as in, "I mean, is this real?"). I am trying to stay strong and do as much damage control as possible. I do not have the luxury of taking a break because I've already a 4mo. hole in my resume assuming my employment is terminated again. As I try to come to terms with the reality I am facing, I would appreciate your input on what the best way to approach a restart would be. i.e. identifying relevant fields, understanding my chances of succeeding in a geography I have no work experience/connections, starting over and taking a new career path, taking a 1 year hiatus until ban is lifted, etc..

Any comments/questions would be welcome. Thanks.