Collocations for homeland - noun

beloved
They were devastated that they had to leave their beloved homeland.

ancestral, ancient, original, traditional
the struggle to defend their ancient homeland

former
national, tribal
independent
adopted
He wants his children to grow up in his adopted homeland.

American, Jewish, Palestinian, etc.

defend, protect, secure
It is is the role of the army to protect the homeland.

flee, leave
During the war, they were forced to flee their homeland.

go back to, return to, visit
He longs to return to his homeland.

defence/defense, security (both esp. AmE)

in a/sb's homeland
They hope to remain in their homeland.